Excerpt on The Catcher in the Rye
I believe that Salinger incorporates many aspects of buddhist teachings into "Catcher in the Rye" from total selflessness to complete non-attachment. But it is how Salinger includes the underlying theme of suffering throughout the novel that is truly astonishing to me. He shows us first hand how Holden Caulfield copes with the ever present suffering in his life and his unconcious growth through the four noble truths hidden throughout the novel.
This connection allows readers to view Holden's transformation through the novel and reveal that is not quite as unique as previously thought. He is experiencing a form of the same suffering felt by all people in traditional Buddhist thought. I see this as a guide to the novel; by following the Buddhist influence throughout the novel, we can now view Holden's journey in distinct segments or phases as he progresses through his suffering.
First, we will examine the first of the Four Noble Truths and the very foundation of traditional Buddhism: Life is suffering. The Catcher in the Rye is all about suffering. It is nothing more than a record of Holden's suffering and his emotional response to the pain and anguish present in his life. This, I feel, is the basis for what Holden defines as "Phony-ness". He acknowledges the pain and suffering which comes naturally with life and labels all that is impermanent or imperfect as the root of his suffering and "Phony". Those who strive to be comfortable and cling to happiness like a blanket, shielding them from the sadness and dissappointment of reality, are nothing more than "Phonies" living in a useless and transparent life. This attitude can be shown in the novel around chapters one and two in which Holden is delightfully expressing his opinions of Selma Thurmer, movies, actors, educators, and the general crowd in attendence at Pencey.
Next, consider the Buddhist idea that the origin of suffering is attachment. As Holden comes to terms with the suffering and depression in his life, he must see what causes this pain. According to Buddhist thought it is attachment to the impermanent and unimportant people and things around us which causes great suffering. This ties in neatly with leading cause of Holden's suffering and depression: the death of his younger brother Allie. Though Allie is impermanentand his death (at some point) was inevitable, it is Holden's attachment to the memory of his brother which tears him apart. By clinging to Allie's memory, Holden is only clinging to the stress and pain of his premature death. Throughout the novel Holden begins to diregard the objects and people around him , which may be his ackowledgement of where his suffering is rooted: attachment. "The cessation of suffering is attainable." Only by letting go and distancing himself from those around him and the pains of the world can Holden truly attain nirodha. He must become completely disassociated from the influence of others in order to reach a point of no suffering. I believe Holden needed to leave Allie and his memories of the past behind him if he wishes to relieve the pain and suffering which afflicts him.
This connection allows readers to view Holden's transformation through the novel and reveal that is not quite as unique as previously thought. He is experiencing a form of the same suffering felt by all people in traditional Buddhist thought. I see this as a guide to the novel; by following the Buddhist influence throughout the novel, we can now view Holden's journey in distinct segments or phases as he progresses through his suffering.
First, we will examine the first of the Four Noble Truths and the very foundation of traditional Buddhism: Life is suffering. The Catcher in the Rye is all about suffering. It is nothing more than a record of Holden's suffering and his emotional response to the pain and anguish present in his life. This, I feel, is the basis for what Holden defines as "Phony-ness". He acknowledges the pain and suffering which comes naturally with life and labels all that is impermanent or imperfect as the root of his suffering and "Phony". Those who strive to be comfortable and cling to happiness like a blanket, shielding them from the sadness and dissappointment of reality, are nothing more than "Phonies" living in a useless and transparent life. This attitude can be shown in the novel around chapters one and two in which Holden is delightfully expressing his opinions of Selma Thurmer, movies, actors, educators, and the general crowd in attendence at Pencey.
Next, consider the Buddhist idea that the origin of suffering is attachment. As Holden comes to terms with the suffering and depression in his life, he must see what causes this pain. According to Buddhist thought it is attachment to the impermanent and unimportant people and things around us which causes great suffering. This ties in neatly with leading cause of Holden's suffering and depression: the death of his younger brother Allie. Though Allie is impermanentand his death (at some point) was inevitable, it is Holden's attachment to the memory of his brother which tears him apart. By clinging to Allie's memory, Holden is only clinging to the stress and pain of his premature death. Throughout the novel Holden begins to diregard the objects and people around him , which may be his ackowledgement of where his suffering is rooted: attachment. "The cessation of suffering is attainable." Only by letting go and distancing himself from those around him and the pains of the world can Holden truly attain nirodha. He must become completely disassociated from the influence of others in order to reach a point of no suffering. I believe Holden needed to leave Allie and his memories of the past behind him if he wishes to relieve the pain and suffering which afflicts him.
