Summary:
Holden starts off by stating how his dorm wing was named after a guy named, Ossenburger, after he donated some money to Pencey Prep. Holden is clearly irritated by him, and finds it hilarious when Edgar Marsalla, farts in the middle of a speech he is giving out. He arrives at his room, sits down on a chair, and starts to read a book. He states that despite being illiterate, he enjoys reading books by Ring Lardner and his brother D.B., and likes a book where you can call the author up. However, before he gets too into it, he hears Robert Ackley coming out from the showers. Holden viewed him as gross, and not too bright of a person. After trying to focus on his book with Ackley distracting him, Stradlater walks in. Ackley despises Stradlater, causing him to leave.
Quote:
"I got bored sitting on that washbowl after a while, so I backed up a few feet and started doing this tap dance, just for the hell of it. I was just amusing myself." (Salinger 29)
Reaction:
Monday, November 29, 2010
Monday, November 22, 2010
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (Pg. 1-22)
Summary:
Right from the beginning of the story, we are told by the main character, Holden Caulfield, not to expect a clichéd, detailed, background of his life. He just mentions his parents and how his brother, D.B., is in Hollywood. He then starts off the story by stating that he's getting kicked off his school, Pencey Prep., in Agerstown, Pennsylvania. At the same time, there's a football game going on against Saxon Hall, which he wasn't attending. Instead, he's on his way to meet his Mr. Spencer, his former history teacher. Now, he explains that he's getting kicked out of Pencey because he's failing four subjects. Holden then goes on to run to Mr.Spencer's house. After arriving and greeted by Mrs. Spencer, he finds Mr. Spencer in his room. Holden engages in a few conversations with him about being kicked out, his parents, and his horrible History exam paper. Before he could go on any further, Holden makes up an excuse to leave Mr. Spencer, after being uncomfortable both physically, and emotionally.
Quotation:
I'm lucky, though. I mean I could shoot the old bull to old Spencer and think about those ducks at the same time. It's funny. You don't have to think too hard when you talk to a teacher.
Reaction:
I find the narration style Salinger writes in to be more realistic. It does seem like Holden is telling the story, due to the unconventional storytelling, and his opinions.
Right from the beginning of the story, we are told by the main character, Holden Caulfield, not to expect a clichéd, detailed, background of his life. He just mentions his parents and how his brother, D.B., is in Hollywood. He then starts off the story by stating that he's getting kicked off his school, Pencey Prep., in Agerstown, Pennsylvania. At the same time, there's a football game going on against Saxon Hall, which he wasn't attending. Instead, he's on his way to meet his Mr. Spencer, his former history teacher. Now, he explains that he's getting kicked out of Pencey because he's failing four subjects. Holden then goes on to run to Mr.Spencer's house. After arriving and greeted by Mrs. Spencer, he finds Mr. Spencer in his room. Holden engages in a few conversations with him about being kicked out, his parents, and his horrible History exam paper. Before he could go on any further, Holden makes up an excuse to leave Mr. Spencer, after being uncomfortable both physically, and emotionally.
Quotation:
I'm lucky, though. I mean I could shoot the old bull to old Spencer and think about those ducks at the same time. It's funny. You don't have to think too hard when you talk to a teacher.
Reaction:
I find the narration style Salinger writes in to be more realistic. It does seem like Holden is telling the story, due to the unconventional storytelling, and his opinions.
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