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Theme Of Childhood In Catcher In The Rye

1489 Words6 Pages
Childhood is a prime era in the creation of oneself as a whole, your morals and dreams and the role and influence older generations such as parents play on a child’s development. Within all four chosen texts the portrayal of childhood has played a pivotal role in both the destruction and creation of their central characters, each providing different methods and reason of escape from childhood which is ordinarily known as a happy period, ‘where the real meaning of life is located’. Childhood should be classed as a happy, carefree period full of happy memories and adventures, these protagonist face a life of hardship and decision making beyond their years leading to their attempt to blossom into adulthood leaving behind miserable childhoods.
The Catcher in the Rye written by JD Salinger, set in New York City, presents young Holden Caulfield and follows his life as he flees to New York in order to escape a world of phonies. Angela’s Ashes set within Limerick City Ireland, is one of all four texts involved that is not classed a novel but a memoir of real life struggles highlighted by poverty, alcoholism and abuse narrated through a child’s perspective. Paddy Clarke Ha Ha Ha, by Roddy Doyle set in Dublin Ireland, follows the life of a ten year old boy and his journey towards maturity and adulthood following the close of his parents’ marriage. This novel focuses on the essential ability of a child’s mind to jump to random thinking without fully processing consequences. Finally,
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