Holden Caulfield Censorship In Schools

In 1951 J.D. Salinger’s book, The Catcher In The Rye rocketed to Number 1 on the New

York Times best-seller list. Over the course of three days, the novel delves into the life of a troubled

teenager undergoing the loss of a family member. Considered one of the most disputed books, the

novel exhibits vulgar language, irreverent behavior, sexual references, and subversion to both

family principles and moral values. Regardless, in the June Edwards article “The Censorship in

Schools” Holden Caulfield’s troubling behavior is justified. She states that his mistakes are not a

fair representation of him and should not be used to counter the book’s message. Holden is a moral

character who has been influenced by society’s expectations

Holden has been conditioned by

society to acquire mannerisms such as drinking, smoking, rebellion and lewdness. His vulgarity is

the only way he feels he can gain attention to both his opinions and beliefs. This is demonstrated

when he admits to smoking in school. He does this in order to rebel against school rules, as well as,

to challenge the jurisdiction of Stradlater. The purpose of challenging Stradlater is to have him

admit to what really happened on his date with Jane. Holden is fearful that Stradlater may have

done something immoral to Jane and, thus, believes that Stradlater should be punished. He expects

that a man “giving the time to” a girl should treat her with kindness and respect. This exposes

Holden’s beliefs towards sexual intimacy and exhibits how he feels about relationships. During his

physical encounter with Stradlater, Holden uses words of blasphemy in order to get his point across.

He yells at him, that he doesn’t even know her name.Holden actively partakes in unfriendly and

immoral behavior because he assumes his actions are ethical. Unfortunately, readers and

Throughout the novel, Holden demonstrates thoughts

that are obscene. However, because Holden has strong moral values he does not go through with all

of his insane fantasies. He is still a virgin and admits that he has had quite a few opportunities to do

so. According to Edwards, “he values sex that comes from caring for another person and rejects its

sordidness”. He announces to the reader that if a girl wants him to stop, he stops. This is unlike

most males who have no respect for women and their boundaries. Holden’s moral standings prevent

him from having sex with girls. At the Edmunt Hotel, the elevator guy asks him if he would like the

service of a prostitute for five bucks a throw. Holden accepts his offers and immediately claims that

it was against his morals. When the prostitute is sent to his room, he tries to start a conversation and

offers her a cigarette. Once again he attempts to maintain his conventionalities. He has a genuine

interest in sex, but refrains from doing so because he wants a real relationship. This indicates that

his ethics are stronger than his hormones.

June Edwards makes a valid claim that “Holden Caulfield emerges as a confused