From the moment it was published in the 1950s, J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye has been a lightning rod for controversy. While some argue that the book is a timeless coming-of-age story that provides teenagers with a much-needed sense of empathy and that banning it would infringe on free speech and limit access to valuable literature, others maintain that its inappropriate themes and language make it unsuitable for young readers. This essay asserts that The Catcher in the Rye should be prohibited in schools and libraries due to its explicit language, frequent suicidal ideation, and inappropriate sexual content.
The book's explicit language has sparked concern among many readers, particularly due to the offensive vocabulary used by Holden Caulfield. A poignant example of this can be found in the following quote: "No reason Boy, I can't stand that sonuvabitch. He's one sonuvabitch I really can't stand" (15). This quote highlights how frequently Holden employs offensive words, such as "son of a bitch," "goddamn," and "fag," which can potentially offend readers. This has
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In one instance, he says, "What I felt like, though, was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out the window. I probably would've done it, too, if I'd been sure somebody would've covered me up as soon as I landed." (136). Supporters of the ban argue that such dark themes and situations may romanticize harmful behavior and normalize it, potentially influencing young and impressionable readers. Additionally, they contend that the book's themes and characters are unsuitable for young readers who may be negatively impacted by Holden's self-destructive behavior and his tendency to rebel against societal norms. Moreover, the book's potential to undermine traditional values and promote disrespect for authority heightens these concerns, making it inappropriate for young