The Morality of Reading The Catcher in the Rye in School Essay

The Morality of Reading The Catcher in the Rye in School The story of The Catcher In The Rye, can and is misinterpreted by many people. It is very easy to find The Catcher In The Rye immoral if you are reading the book only to prove that idea. This is so because you can ignore the good things and ideas the author is trying to convey by using certain incidents that might be labeled wrong. On the other hand, if you are reading the book and taking that extra step to analyze the things that Holden Caulfield does and the things that happens to him you end up having a greater appreciation for the novel and what it says. Throughout the book Holden has shown that he is a boy who in reality has a conscience and uses it. One example of this is when Holden goes to see Mr. Spencer, his former history teacher. Holden goes to visit Mr. Spencer, who is ill with the grippe. He goes to tell him not to feel bad for failing him in history. Holden did not have to do this; this was an act of courtesy because he knew that Mr. Spencer felt sorry that he had flunked Holden in his class. Holden also sits through Mr. Spencer’s lecture on how life is a game, a game that one must play according to the rules. Holden who absolutely hates talks like this, did not have to sit through it, he could have gotten up and left, but he didn’t he showed respect for one of his superiors and what he had to say. I believe this is an act that every child and adult should know and do. â€Å"I am the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life.† (16) Holden Caulfield is a good liar. Holden even admits to it. Many people might say that this is setting a bad example but throughout story his lies make people feel better. For example, when Holden was .. ...ain is â€Å"fuck you†. Even though Holden always uses these words, he doesn’t want his younger sister being exposed to that kind of profanity. He does care about innocence and morality. â€Å"†¦You can‘t ever find a place that‘s nice and peaceful, because there isn’t any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you‘re not looking, somebody‘ll sneak up and write ‘Fuck You’ right under your nose†¦Ã¢â‚¬  The virtuousness, morality, or principles are as apparent as the depravities throughout the novel of The Catcher In The Rye. Although when you actually read and examine the book you realize that there are no immoralities. The only way you can come to that conclusion, is with ignorance and a lack of knowledge. To fully recognize and understand the hidden ideas or picture the author is trying to portray in the readers’ minds you need knowledge and insight.