Some call him the original sullen teenager...
Since his debut in 1951, Holden Caulfield — the funny, complex, wry protagonist of J.D. Salinger's classic The Catcher in the Rye — has given voice to generations of teenagers caught between childhood and the adult world.
One of the most censored books in recent U.S. history, The Catcher in the Rye is now a staple of many high school and college curricula. It's the coming-of-age story of 16-year-old Caulfield, who has flunked out of his prep school and is disillusioned with the world.
Your Assignment:
1. Select a song that captures one of the many complex aspects of Holden's personality. In your post, provide the lyrics to your selected song. As discussed in class, if there is a profanity in the song, please indicate and remove the word so that this maintains the academic tone of an extended classroom conversation.
2. Provide a one paragraph (approximately 100 words) explanation for your choice.
3. Do not use the same song as any of your classmates.
The song I chose is "Under the Bridge" by the Red Hot Chili Peppers. The lyrics are as follows:
ReplyDeleteSometimes I feel like I don't have a partner
Sometimes I feel like my only friend
Is the city I live in, the city of angels
Lonely as I am, together we cry
I drive on her streets because she's my companion
I walk through her hill because she knows who I am
She sees my good deeds and she kisses me windy
I never worry, now that is a lie
I don't ever want to feel like I did that day
Take me to the place I love, take me all the way
I don't ever want to feel like I did that day
Take me to the place I love, take me all the way
It's hard to believe that there's nobody out there
It's hard to believe that I'm all alone
At least I have her love, the city she loves me
Lonely as I am, together we cry
I don't ever want to feel like I did that day
Take me to the place I love, take me all the way
I don't ever want to feel like I did that day
Take me to the place I love, take me all the way
(Under the bridge downtown)
Is where I drew some blood
(Under the bridge downtown)
I could not get enough
(Under the bridge downtown)
Forgot about my love
(Under the bridge downtown)
I gave my life away.
While the song may not make much sense in context now further reading will clarify my decision. From what we have read so far Holden fits because he doesn't have many friends or anyone really to confide in so he "doesn't have a partner." Also Holden is stuck in a mentle institute for the events recounted in the book and probably doesn't "ever want to feel like he did that day."
I chose "Faint" by Linkin Park because I love this song and it so happens that the lyrics fit Holden perfectly.
ReplyDelete"Faint"
I am a little bit of loneliness a little bit of disregard
Handful of complaints but I can’t help the fact that everyone can see
these scars
I am what I want you to want what I want you to feel
But it's like no matter what I do, I can't convince you, to just believe
this is real
So I let go, watching you, turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here 'cause you're all that I got
[Chorus]
(I can't feel the way I did before)
(Don't turn your back on me)
(I won't be ignored)
(Time won't heal this damage anymore)
(Don't turn your back on me)
(I won't be ignored)
I am a little bit insecure a little unconfident
Cause you don't understand I do what I can but sometimes I don't make
sense
I am what you never wanna say but I've never had a doubt
It's like no matter what I do I can't convince you for once just to hear
me out
So I let go watching you turn your back like you always do
Face away and pretend that I'm not
But I'll be here 'cause you're all that I've got
[Chorus]
(I can't feel the way I did before)
(Don't turn your back on me)
(I won't be ignored)
(Time won't heal this damage anymore)
(Don't turn your back on me)
(I won't be ignored)
(No)
(Hear me out now)
(You're gonna listen to me, like it or not)
(Right now)
(Hear me out now)
(You're gonna listen to me, like it or not)
(Right now)
(I can't feel the way I did before)
(Don't turn your back on me)
(I won't be ignored)
[Chorus]
(I can't feel the way I did before)
(Don't turn your back on me)
(I won't be ignored)
(Time won't heal this damage anymore)
(Don't turn your back on me)
(I won't be ignored)
I can't feel
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
Time won't heal
Don't turn your back on me
I won't be ignored
The lyrics are amazing and I think that they capture the way that Holden feels inside rather than the way that he says he feels. Since we already know that he is a un-reliable character being that the novel is written in first person narrative and all. The lyrics are almost like a cry for help and the way that Holden feels about loosing people in his life or even about the way he feels in general with himself and the way that people treat him.
-Jasmine Berrios :D
"Unwell" by Matchbox 20
ReplyDeleteAll day starin' at the ceilin' makin' friends with shadows on my wall
All night hearing voices tellin' me that I should get some sleep
Because tomorrow might be good for somethin'
Hold on, feelin' like I'm headed for a breakdown
And I don't know why
But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
I know, right now you can't tell
But stay a while and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know, right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be, me
I'm talkin' to myself in public, dodging glances on the train
And I know, I know they've all been talkin' about me
I can hear them whisper, and it makes me think
There must be somethin' wrong with me
Out of all the hours thinkin', somehow I've lost my mind
But I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
[ From : http://www.elyrics.net/read/m/matchbox-20-lyrics/unwell-lyrics.html ]
I know, right now you can't tell
But stay a while and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know, right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be
I've been talkin' in my sleep
Pretty soon they'll come to get me
Yeah, they're takin' me away
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little unwell
I know, right now you can't tell
But stay a while and maybe then you'll see
A different side of me
I'm not crazy, I'm just a little impaired
I know, right now you don't care
But soon enough you're gonna think of me
And how I used to be yeah, how I used to be
How I used to be
Well, I'm just a little unwell
How I used to be, how I used to be
I'm just a little unwell
I chose this song because it expresses how others think of Holden. Others think Holden is a little odd, but Holden thinks that he is mostly fine and that everyone else has problems. Holden also mentioned in the book that he might be on the verge of another breakdown, this was later emphasized even further when Holden was loosing his bearings on the way to Spencer's house. The song also expresses loneliness which Holden also expresses because when everyone is at the game Holden is all by himself in the dorms. This song also has a theme of depression. Holden is also depressed because of all the "phonies" out there.
I agree with Carl's decision because it also expresses the same elements as my song does, loneliness. Carl's song also talks about wanting for forget a certain even and I think for Holden, that event is the day Allie died.
Bob Dylan “Like a Rolling Stone”
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time you dressed so fine
Threw the bums a dime in your prime, didn't you?
People'd call, say, "Beware doll, you're bound to fall"
You thought they were all kiddin' you
You used to laugh about
Everybody that was hangin' out
Now you don't talk so loud
Now you don't seem so proud
About having to be scrounging for your next meal.
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be without a home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
You've gone to the finest school all right, Miss Lonely
But you know you only used to get juiced in it
Nobody has ever taught you how to live on the street
And now you're gonna have to get used to it
You said you'd never compromise
With the mystery tramp, but now you realize
He's not selling any alibis
As you stare into the vacuum of his eyes
And say do you want to make a deal?
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
A complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
Ah! you never turned around to see the frowns on the jugglers and the clowns
When they all come down and did tricks for you
You never understood that it ain't no good
You shouldn't let other people get your kicks for you
You used to ride on the chrome horse with your diplomat
Who carried on his shoulder a Siamese cat
Ain't it hard when you discover that
He really wasn't where it's at
After he took from you everything he could steal.
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
Princess on the steeple and all the pretty people
They're all drinkin', thinkin' that they got it made
Exchanging all precious gifts
But you'd better take your diamond ring, you'd better pawn it babe
You used to be so amused
At Napoleon in rags and the language that he used
Go to him now, he calls you, you can't refuse
When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose
You're invisible now, you got no secrets to conceal.
How does it feel
How does it feel
To be on your own
With no direction home
Like a complete unknown
Like a rolling stone?
I chose this song because it is about being lost without direction, and Holden fits this both literally and figuratively (or at least, he will). It also says “You’ve gone to the finest schools alright… Nobody has ever taught you to live on the street” which quite accurately describes Holden’s adventure throughout the book. When it says “When you got nothing, you got nothing to lose”, it is accurately displaying how Holden has pretty much lost everything he can and has nothing left to lose.
-Andrew Bauer
yes im number four , uber ponage. Ok , so the song i chose is Illusion by imagination
ReplyDeleteSearching for a destiny that's mine
There's another place another time
Touching many hearts along the way
Yeah
Hoping that I'll never have to say
It's just an illusion, illusion, illusion
Follow your emotions anywhere
Is it really magic in the air?
Never let your feelings get you down
Open up your eyes and look around
It's just an illusion, illusion, illusion
Could it be that it's just an illusion
Putting me back in all this confusion?
Could it be that it's just an illusion now?
Find more similar lyrics on
Could it be that it's just an illusion
Putting me back in all this confusion?
Could it be that it's just an illusion now?
Could it be a picture in my mind?
Never sure exactly what I'll find
Only in my dreams I turn you on
Here for just a moment, then you're gone
It's just an illusion, illusion, illusion
Could it be that it's just an illusion
Putting me back in all this confusion?
Could it be that it's just an illusion now?
Could it be that it's just an illusion
Putting me back in all this confusion?
Could it be that it's just an illusion now?
nation.
So this song is perfect because he goes through life talking about things as if he would love to change them and not only that he also speaks as if he can get pretty confused with events in his life , furthermore the first line says "searching for a destiny that's mine" which fits holdens character because he really doesnt fit anywhere.
This is the song I picked. It's Shattered by Trading Yesterday
ReplyDeleteYesterday I died, tomorrow's bleeding
Fall into your sunlight
The future's open wide beyond believing
To know why hope dies
Losing what was found, a world so hollow
Suspended in a compromise
The silence of this sound is soon to follow
Somehow sundown
And finding answers
Is forgetting all of the questions we call home
Passing the graves of the unknown
As reason clouds my eyes, with splendor fading
Illusions of the sunlight
And the reflection of a lie will keep me waiting
Love gone for so long
This day's ending is the proof of time killing all the faith I know
Knowing that faith is all I hold
And Ive lost who I am
And I can't understand
Why my heart is so broken
Rejecting your love
Without love gone wrong
Life
Less words
Carry on
But i know
All i know
Is that the ends beginning
Who I am from the start
Take me home to my heart
Let me go
And I will run
I will not be silenced
All this time spent in vain
Wasted years
Wasted gain
All is lost
Hope remains
And this war's not over
Theres a light
Theres the sun
Taking all the shattered ones
To the place we belong
And his love will conquer
And Ive lost who I am
And I can't understand
Why my heart is so broken
Rejecting your love
Without love gone wrong
Life
Less words
Carry on
But i know
All i know
Is that the ends beginning
Who I am from the start
Take me home to my heart
Let me go
And I will run
I will not be silenced
All this time spent in vain
Wasted years
Wasted gain
All is lost
Hope remains
And this war's not over
Theres a light
Theres the sun
Taking all the shattered ones
To the place we belong
And his love will conquer all
Yes his love will conquer all
Yesterday I died, tommorrows bleeding
Fall into your sunlight
I picked this because i felt as though hold right now is messed up because of a dark moment in his life. He also thinks that there is nothing for him in the future, that's the reason why he isn't applying himself in school. However i feel as though Holden is still fighting back or holdin on. Right now even though he feels as though he is losing himself which can be seen after he said " I felt like I was sort of disappearing", Holden still has a future which he fight for seeing that he didn't kill himself, yet. Holden is just stunned by the loss of his brother and i think this is the reason he is so confused right now.
THE FRAY-How To Save A Life
ReplyDeleteStep one you say we need to talk
He walks you say sit down it's just a talk
He smiles politely back at you
You stare politely right on through
Some sort of window to your right
As he goes left and you stay right
Between the lines of fear and blame
And you begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Let him know that you know best
Cause after all you do know best
Try to slip past his defence
Without granting innocence
Lay down a list of what is wrong
The things you've told him all along
And pray to god he hears you
And pray to god he hears you
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
As he begins to raise his voice
You lower yours and grant him one last choice
Drive until you lose the road
Or break with the ones you've followed
He will do one of two things
He will admit to everything
Or he'll say he's just not the same
And you'll begin to wonder why you came
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life
How to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend
Somewhere along in the bitterness
And I would have stayed up with you all night
Had I known how to save a life
How to save a life :)
I chose this song because it express how Holden acts but also how he is feeling. When it said “ Where did I go wrong, I lost a friend” a perfect example would be when he got annoyed with Mr. Spencer,even thought he was the only one who cared for Holden. Also when it said “ Had I known how to save a life” reminds me that Holden may be the way he is because of Allie death, which may example why he act the way he does. If someone he loves were to pass away again he would not have the same emotional attachment.
I had to go with a favorite of mine by Billy Joel, Angry Young Man.
ReplyDelete------------------------------------------------
There's a place in the world for the angry young man
With his working class ties and his radical plans
He refuses to bend, he refuses to crawl,
He's always at home with his back to the wall.
And he's proud of his scars and the battles he's lost,
He struggles and bleeds as he hangs on the cross-
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
Give a moment or two to the angry young man,
With his foot in his mouth and his heart in his hand.
He's been stabbed in the back, he's been misunderstood,
It's a comfort to know his intentions are good.
He sits in a room with a lock on the door,
With his maps and his medals laid out on the floor
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
I believe I've passed the age of consciousness & righteous rage
I found that just surviving was a noble fight.
I once believed in causes too, I had my pointless point of view,
Life went on no matter who was wrong or right, ohhhhh
And there's always a place for the angry young man,
With his fist in the air and his head in the sand.
And he's never been able to learn from mistakes,
He can't understand why his heart always breaks.
His honor is pure and his courage as well,
He's fair and he's true and he's boring as hell!
And he'll go to the grave as an angry old man.
Whoa, and there's always a place for the angry young man
With his working class ties and his radical plans
He refuses to bend, he refuses to crawl,
He's always at home with his back to the wall.
And he's proud of his scars and the battles he's lost,
He struggles and bleeds ‘til he hangs on the cross
And he likes to be known as the angry young man.
------------------------------------------------
The very title directly relates to Holden. He's an angry young man, fed up with the phonies and pain he's had to deal with in life. Billy Joel speaks of how the angry young man is struggling and bleeding (figuratively), just like Holden. He has seen horrible things in his short 16 years, from drugs to the death of his younger brother. He always has his "fist in the air and his head in the sand", and can never "learn from mistakes", since he's always getting kicked out of school. His always has his "back to the wall" in a figurative sense, since he always feels so victimized. The world is out to get him, and he's automatically defensive. One of the most important juxtapositions that could be drawn between Holden and this song is the fact that he's always "proud of the battles he's lost". At this point in the novel, Holden is quite unrepentant about his ugly track record. Angry Young Man perfectly captures the essence of Holden, and does so with style.
In case anyone cares, the link for the song is below:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mDPTfJ9KkNM&feature=related
The song that I chose to represent Holden Caufield is "Catastrophe", by Forever the Sickest Kids
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MNVFBEEJ1yc
Wake up you're a drama queen,
Carry on like your supposed to be
Get away, hurry up, come on, get away
How long have you been in your bedroom?
It's been three days straight with your sheets and your pillow
The clock on the walls a reminder,
of my father, and all his integrity
I know that I shouldn't let it get to me
But it does and who am I kidding?
A dead end job and a lack of family
This town really gets to me
Wake up you're a drama queen
Carry on like your supposed to be
Get away, hurry up, come on
Get away, gotta get up and go
Break out from the drama scene
Stick around, it'll bury me
Get away, hurry up, come on
This is becoming a catastrophe
I made up my mind,
Took time to think of everything I oughta do
It may be hard but I'm trying hard to comprehend,
Where I quit and where I should begin
I know that I shouldn't let it get to me
But it does and who am I kidding?
A dead end job and a lack of family
This town really gets to me
Wake up you're a drama queen
Carry on like your supposed to be
Get away, hurry up, come on
Get away, gotta get up and go
Break out from the drama scene
Stick around, it'll bury me
Get away, hurry up, come on
This is becoming a catastrophe
This is becoming a catastrophe
You're a fake, a product of the world
You're an average mistake, so commonly made
I made up my mind, (You're a fake)
Took time to think of everything I oughta do
(a product of the world)
It may be hard but I'll try to comprehend (an average mistake)
It may be hard (so commonly made)
I know that I shouldn't let it get to me
But it does and who am I kidding?
Wake up your a drama queen
Carry on like your supposed to be
Get away, hurry up, come on
Get away, gotta get up and go
Break out from the drama scene
Stick around, it'll bury me
Get away, hurry up, come on
This is becoming a catastrophe
You're a fake, a product of the world
(this is becoming a catastrophe)
You're an average mistake,
(this is becoming a catastrophe)
So commonly made.
This song captures Holden's "anti-phony" personality. The parts that really caught my attention are "Wake up you're a drama queen, carry on like you're supposed to be", which can directly represent how he doesn't like fake-ness and "hotshots"; "The clock on the wall's a reminder of my father and all his integrity" represents Holden's apparent relationship with his parents who are rich but always send their son away to snotty boarding schools; and finally, "A dead end job and a lack of family,
this town really gets to me.", shows Holden's "blah" lifestyle. It's true that he doesn't have a job, but he does have boarding school, which is close enough, and that's very "dead end" to him. Also, he seems to despise everything about everywhere he goes, but he can always find something to blame it on ("this town really gets to me").
Regardless of connections, both "Catastrophe" and "Catcher in the Rye" are amazing.
~Caroline~
It might be a stretch but the song I think expresses Holden is “Animal I Have Become” by Three Days Grace
ReplyDeleteI can't escape this hell
So many times I've tried
But I'm still caged inside
Somebody get me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
So what if you can see the darkest side of me
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal!
This animal, this animal
I can't escape myself
So many times I've lied
But there's still rage inside
Somebody get me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
So what if you can see the darkest side of me
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal
Somebody help me through this nightmare
I can't control myself
Somebody wake me from this nightmare
I can't escape this hell
This animal, this animal
This animal, this animal
This animal, this animal
This animal
So what if you can see the darkest side of me
No one will ever change this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal I have become
Help me believe it's not the real me
Somebody help me tame this animal!
This animal I have become
The lyrics of this song express Holden’s self imprisoning personality. For example Holden traps him self on the fact of jeans purity and cant see her any other way. This is shown in the song as anger. For Holden I feel as if hest trapping the way he looks at people based on his first impressions of them. The way he sees people through the minute details shows how his self trap has and will expand through out the novel. “Help me believe it's not the real me” exemplifies Holden’s self trapping. I feel as if Holden’s on a slippery slope to the path of an “animal” and that he will do something that will show this point.
Jumper
ReplyDeleteBy Third Eye Blind
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies, that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand, I would understand
The angry boy, a bit too insane
Icing over a secret pain
You know you don't belong
You're the first to fight
You're way too loud
You're the flash of light on a burial shroud
I know something's wrong
Well, everyone I know has got a reason
To say put the past away
Wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies that you've been living in
And if you do not want to see me again
I would understand, I would understand
And well, he's on the table
And he's gone to code
And I do not think anyone knows
What they are doing here
And your friends have left you
You've been dismissed
[ From: http://www.elyrics.net/read/t/third-eye-blind-lyrics/jumper-lyrics.html ]
I never thought it would come to this
And I, I want you to know
Everyone's got to face down the demons
Maybe today we can put the past away
I wish you would step back from that ledge my friend
You could cut ties with all the lies
That you've been living in and if you do not want to see me again
I would understand, I would understand, I would understand
I would understand
I would understand
Understand
Can you put the past away?
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
I would understand
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
I would understand
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
And I would understand
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
I would understand
I wish you would step back from that ledge, my friend
And I would understand
I chose the song Jumper by Third Eye Blind because the friend that the singer is singing about relates significantly to Holden. Holden relates to the person in the song because he too is frustrated with the world. Also, the song stated, “Step back from that ledge my friend, I will understand.” This illustrates the fact that Holden is on the edge of society and how one small step can push him over the edge. In the novel The Catcher in the Rye Holden stated, “I was standing way hell up on top of Thompson Hill. You could see the whole field from here.” (p. 2). This shows you how Holden isolates himself from society and is on a ledge that he can’t back down from. Another part of the lyrics, “The angry boy, a bit too insane Icing over a secret pain”, relates to how Holden is pushing away his troubles and has a deeper problem inside of him causing his insanity. These lyrics exemplify Holden’s problems within himself and how he also is on the “ledge” of society.
-Russell Weeks
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXcLL4Dptsw
ReplyDeleteThe song I have chosen is called Screenager, by MUSE. This is actually a moderately long song, despite the appearance of the lyrics.
Lyrics:
Who's so phoney and always surrounded?
Stop your screaming, no one can hear
All the scars on your skin: "Post no bills"
Who you were
Was so beautiful
Remember who, who you were
Hide from the mirror, the cracks and the memories
Hide from your family, they won't know you now
For all the holes in our soul host no thrills
Who you were
Was so beautiful
Memories who, who you were
This song greatly relates to Holden on multiple levels. First and foremost, the title is very relevant, since it is implying 'teenager' from Screenager. I find it highly amusing that the word phoney appears in the first line, as this is one of Holden's favorite words. The speaker is implying that the subject, which has a fake personality, and no originality. Holden criticizes fellow teenagers and adults about their phoniness, and that they do not show individuality. In the song, 'always surrounded' suggests that the person of interest is going with the flow, and therefore is not an original person in the view of the speaker. Holden's internal conflicts can be related to the line, "Stop your screaming, no one can hear". Nobody can truly help Holden because he holds all of his problems inside him. From what we have read, we know he suffered the death of his little brother, and he feels like an outcast in all of society, most evident when he is standing on the hill alone at the football game. As readers, we can tell that Holden is struggling internally, which threatens to crush him. His problems of the past haven't been resolved, which can be related to, "All the scars on your skin: "Post no bills". Moving onto the chorus of the song, it is apparent that the overall idea is that there is a sense of regret in change, similar to Holden's distaste for growing up. This is why Holden decides not to say hello to his childhood friend Jane Gallagher, as a dropout prep student. He either does not want to see change in Jane, or he doesn't want her to see his own negative change. The second verse of the song is a parallel to Holden's negativity towards himself. He obviously sees many of his faults as a teenager, yet he tries to hide them. He doesn't tell his parents that he was kicked out of Pencey. The lyrics of Screenager clearly reflect on the kind of person Holden is, and the challenges he faces as a teenager.
The song I picked to represent a part of Holden's personality is I'm A Loser, by The Beatles. The lyrics are as followed:
ReplyDeleteI'm a loser
I'm a loser
And I'm not what I appear to be
Of all the love I have won or have lost
there is one love I should never have crossed
She was a girl in a million, my friend
I should have known she would win in the end
I'm a loser
And I lost someone who's near to me
I'm a loser
And I'm not what I appear to be
Although I laugh and I act like a clown
Beneath this mask I am wearing a frown
My tears are falling like rain from the sky
Is it for her or myself that I cry
I'm a loser
And I lost someone who's near to me
I'm a loser
And I'm not what I appear to be
What have I done to deserve such a fate
I realize I have left it too late
And so it's true, pride comes before a fall
I'm telling you so that you won't lose all
I'm a loser
And I lost someone who's near to me
I'm a loser
And I'm not what I appear to be
This represents Holden in a couple different ways. First, I'm sure that he is sorry that he lost Jane, however it happened. Second, he does not think very positively of himself. He called himself a moron which shows low self esteem. And also the line, "Although I laugh and I act like a clown, beneath this mask I am wearing a frown" represents Holden and many other in his condition. They act fine on the outside, to not attract attention, but really they are not fine at all.
-- Alex
The song that I chose to describe Holden is Hito Toshite Jiku ga Bureteiru(As a Human, I’m Quite Warped) by Kenji Ohtsuki.
ReplyDelete"Warped, warped, warped, warped"
"Warped, warped, warped, warped"
"Warped, warped, warped, warped"
"Warped, warped, warped, warped"
I was watching the TV late at night
I had nothing to do so I was just watching it absent-mindedly
Flipping through channels, successful people were getting recognition
"That person isn't warped at all... how wonderful"*
"How boring," I thought and turned it off
Better go to sleep, I have work from tomorrow on
Unable to go to sleep, I flipped through some comics
A gravure idol was smiling at me**
"That athlete is just my type.
Those sorts aren't warped at all... how wonderful"
I get it, the reason I'm not rewarded
Is because, as a person, I'm quite warped
So sit up properly! Already,
I'm warping, warping, warping away
Make it so I can't tell why I'm trembling!
Slipping away! I'm already a warped human
But if you are here, I can change?
"Just realize that I am here"
Think of the warping as a surge
Won't this warping change the world as well?
I feel people can't help but notice me
Even if now they can only see me trembling
Alright, I get it, the reason I'm not rewarded
Is because, as a person, I'm quite warped
Ah, I get it, the reason I'm trembling
Is because I don't have anyone to support me
I'm sitting up! Already,
We're warping, warping, warping away
Make it so I can't tell why I'm trembling!
Slipping away! I'm already a warped human
But if I meet you, I can change?
"Just realize that I am here..."
This song represents Holden’s inability to perfectly match up to society. More than that, his disdain for successful people like Ossenburger is clearly shown like on page 16. The tone of the song is a bit self-deprecating like Holden was when he called himself a moron. Also, the song’s repetition for emphasis mirrors Holden’s own in his style of narration. The few lines that are cries for help and the realization that others want to help him are like Holden’s general treatment of others, like when Old Spencer made it clear that he wanted to give Holden help and Holden immediately became uncomfortable, even though he did like the old man. The vocalist talking about needing support is like Holden’s situation, where he also needs the help of others but his “warpedness” prevents him from receiving that help which matches the lyrics.
“Waiting for the End” by Linkin Park
ReplyDeleteThis is not the end, this is not the beginning
Just a voice like a riot rocking every revision
But you listen to the tone and the violent rhythm
Though the words sound steady something empty's within them
We say yeah with fists flying up in the air
Like we're holding onto something that's invisible there
Cause we're living at the mercy of the pain and the fear
Until we dead it, forget it, let it all disappear
Waiting for the end to come
Wishing I had strength to stand
This is not what I had planned
It's out of my control
Flying at the speed of light
Thoughts were spinning in my head
So many things were left unsaid
It's hard to let you go
I know what it takes to move on
I know how it feels to lie
All I want to do
Is trade this life for something new
Holding on to what I haven't got
Sitting in an empty room
Trying to forget the past
This was never meant to last
I wish it wasn't so
I know what it takes to move on
I know how it feels to lie
All I want to do
Is trade this life for something new
Holding on to what I haven't got
What was left when that fire was gone
I thought it felt right but that right was wrong
All caught up in the eye of the storm
And trying to figure out what it's like moving on
And I don't even know what kind of things I said
My mouth kept moving and my mind went dead
So I'm picking up the pieces, now where to begin
The hardest part of ending is starting again
All I want to do
Is trade this life for something new
Holding on to what I haven't got
I'm holding on to what I haven't got
I'm holding on to what I haven't got
This is not the end, this is not the beginning
Just a voice like a riot rocking every revision
But you listen to the tone and the violent rhythm
Though the words sound steady something empty's within them
We say yeah with fists flying up in the air
Like we're holding onto something that's invisible there
Cause we're living at the mercy of the pain and the fear
Until we dead it, forget it let it all disappear
This song captures Holden’s reserved and self-conflicting personality. Holden could be described as a person who probably regrets his past and doesn’t know what he will do in his future. This song expresses Holden’s distinctive personality from the use of lyrics such as, “Sitting in an empty room”, this lyric describes how Holden withdraws himself from everyone around him and doesn’t express his true feelings. Furthermore, “Trying to forget the past”, could portray how he is regretful of his past, especially the regret of losing his brother. In addition, the lyric “So I'm picking up the pieces, now where to begin”, could describe how Holden cannot figure out how to begin fixing his problems and starting a new life for himself.
-Donovan Small
I picked "Boulevard Of Broken Dreams" by Green Day
ReplyDeleteI walk a lonely road
The only one that I have ever known
Don't know where it goes
But it's only me, I walk alone
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
When the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aaah-ah,
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah
I'm walking down the line
That divides me somewhere in my mind
On the border line
Of the edge and where I walk alone
Read between the lines
What's f!@#$d up when everything's alright
Check my vital signs
To know I'm still alive and I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk alone
I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'til then I walk alone
Ah-ah, ah-ah, ah-ah, aaah-ah
Ah-ah, ah-ah
I walk alone
I walk a...
I walk this empty street
On the Boulevard of Broken Dreams
When the city sleeps
And I'm the only one and I walk a...
My shadow's the only one that walks beside me
My shallow heart's the only thing that's beating
Sometimes I wish someone out there will find me
'til then I walk alone...
I chose this song because it connects to Holden's loneliness and his self made seclusion from other people. Holden is the only one not at the football game. He pushes Mr. Spencer away instead of excepting his help. Holden also feels a seance of loneliness when he hears about Jane. Holden's seclusion can be represented with the line,"My shadow's the only one that walks beside me." This song can easily represent Holden.
The song I chose to capture one of the complex aspects of Holden's personality is "Creep" by Radiohead. (Note: there is some profanity in this song)
ReplyDeleteWhen you were here before
Couldn't look you in the eye
You're just like an angel
Your skin makes me cry
You float like a feather
In a beautiful world
And I wish I was special
You're so ****in' special
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo.
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here.
I don't care if it hurts
I want to have control
I want a perfect body
I want a perfect soul
I want you to notice
When I'm not around
You're so ****in' special
I wish I was special
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo.
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here.
She's running out again,
She's running out
She's run run run running out...
Whatever makes you happy
Whatever you want
You're so ****in' special
I wish I was special...
But I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo,
What the hell am I doing here?
I don't belong here.
I don't belong here.
This particular song popped out to me as Holden-esque because Holden has an extremely low self-esteem, of which he points out by putting himself down frequently in the text. Holden also has this strange interest in Jane, which I see as a deep-rooted pursuance from when he was younger and had a stronger relationship with her. The self-disapproval which Holden has is displayed in this song when in the choruses, which are static, the lyrics read, “I'm a creep, I'm a weirdo. What the hell am I doing here? I don't belong here.” These lyrics can be directly interpreted to Holden feeling like an outsider at Pencey because he feels he is inadequate academically and socially. The struggle Holden has to express his feelings to Jane can be communicated in this song with the lyrics, “When you were here before, couldn't look you in the eye. You're just like an angel, your skin makes me cry. You float like a feather, in a beautiful world. And I wish I was special, you're so ****in' special.” Through this excerpt of “Creep”, you can connect it with Holden putting Jane up on a pedestal, even though it is communicated through her family history that she is anything but perfect. He doesn’t feel equal to her socially, or physically, because he, as I said before, is very critical of himself and now she is dating his “perfect” roommate, or so what he describes to be perfect. If Holden was brought up to the current times, he would definitely be singing this song.
~Ester
For my reflection of Holden, I chose the song “Losing My Religion” by R.E.M. The lyrics are as follows:
ReplyDeleteOh life, it's bigger
It's bigger than you
And you are not me
The lengths that I will go to
The distance in your eyes
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep a view
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
Every whisper
Of every waking hour
I'm choosing my confessions
Trying to keep an eye on you
Like a hurt, lost and blinded fool, fool
Oh no, I've said too much
I set it up
Consider this
Consider this, the hint of the century
Consider this, the slip
That brought me to my knees, failed
What if all these fantasies come
Flailing aground
Now I've said too much
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
That was just a dream
That's me in the corner
That's me in the spotlight
Losing my religion
Trying to keep a view
And I don't know if I can do it
Oh no, I've said too much
I haven't said enough
I thought that I heard you laughing
I thought that I heard you sing
I think I thought I saw you try
But that was just a dream
Try, cry, why try
That was just a dream
Just a dream
Just a dream, dream
Now before I am accused of spreading a religious idea, the term “losing my religion” was often used by American South as a colloquial way of saying that one is losing their civility or losing their temper. The song vividly describes the feeling of betrayal and distrust. The song says, “I thought I heard you laughing, I though I heard you sing, I think I thought I saw you try.” Holden feels that he was betrayed by the system he trusted and now doesn’t know where to turn. The feeling of confusion on the matter of where to turn, if not the leaders who have been trusted for so long is palpable through this song, and the book. The song continues, “That's me in the corner. That's me in the spotlight, losing my religion. Trying to keep a view and I don't know if I can do it.” This part really emphasizes that the spotlight, a possible metaphor of for a strong and powerful realization or epiphany with a feeling of uncertainty as to where to turn, or if one can carry on at all. I feel that although Holden hasn’t yet told us implicitly that he is significantly unsure of where he is going, or how much it affects him, he is very worried, very lost without diretion. Sometimes the greatest sadness, and deepest fear, can originate from a feeling as basic and simple as just staring into the face of the unknown, which I believe Holden is feeling, and R.E.M. does a fantastic job of portraying.
--Brandon Harris
Load up on guns
ReplyDeleteBring your friends
It's fun to lose and to pretend
She's overborne and self-assured
Oh no, I know a dirty word
Chorus-
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello ,hello
With the Lights out it's less dangerous
Here we are now entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now entertain us
A mullato an albino
A mosquito my libido
yay
Verse 2-
I'm worse at what I do best
And for this gift I feel blessed
Our little group has always been
And always will until the end
Chorus-
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello
With the Lights out it's less dangerous
Here we are now entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now entertain us
A mullato an albino
A mosquito my libido
yay
Bridge-
Verse 3-
And I forget just why I taste
Oh yeah I guess it makes me smile
I found it hard it's hard to find
Oh well whatever nevermind
Chorus-
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello, how low?
Hello, hello, hello, hello
With the Lights out it's less dangerous
Here we are now entertain us
I feel stupid and contagious
Here we are now entertain us
A mullato an albino
A mosquito my libido
A denial
This represented Holden quite simply because, "smells like teen spirit" is practically if not actually the anthem for confused and misunderstood teenagers, who feel the need to rebel against authority in one way or another. And Holden is nothing, if not confused and misunderstood, hence him ending up in a mental hospital. Not to mention the tone and feel of the song, coincides perfectly with Holden's depression.
-Keye
The song I chose was by Coldplay - Scientist. The reason why I chose this song is because in my opinion I really think the lyrics can show a perfect image of Holden.
ReplyDeleteCome up to meet you,
Tell you I'm sorry,
You don't know how lovely you are.
I had to find you,
Tell you I need you,
Tell you I set you apart.
Tell me your secrets,
And ask me your questions,
Oh, let's go back to the start.
Runnin' in circles,
Comin' up tails,
Heads are a science apart.
Nobody said it was easy,
It's such a shame for us to part.
Nobody said it was easy,
No one ever said it would be this hard.
Oh, take me back to the start.
I was just guessing,
At numbers and figures,
Pulling your puzzles apart.
Questions of science,
Science and progress,
Do not speak as loud as my heart.
Tell me you love me,
Come back and hold me,
Oh, when I rush to the start.
Runnin' in circles,
Chasin' tails,
Comin' back as we are.
Nobody said it was easy,
Oh, it's such a shame for us to part.
Nobody said it was easy,
No one ever said it would be so hard.
I'm goin' back to the start.
owwwwwwww
awwwwwww...
owwwwww.....
owwwwwwww...
The words "Nobody said it was easy." I kind of thought of the moment in our class discussion where we talked about how Holden says life isn't a game and how he's just a spectator and not necessarily knowing what his life has in store for him. You can also see that by the words "I was just guessing, At numbers and figures, Pulling your puzzles apart" that he's just guessing at everything in his life and he knows he doesn't really have nothing going on his life for him or even when something kind of big happens he just tries to push and sort of ignore his problems by pushing everything away from him to at least make himself feel happy like how we talked about or should I say Karl... who talked about how Holden tends to distance himself from old Spencer because he think there is an emotional attachment and he doesn't want that to have an affect on him.
"Institutionalized" by Suicidal Tendencies
ReplyDelete(Note: I think the lyrics to the song are so long that I cant post them and my reasoning in the same post due to character limit. There are 2 posts)
I think this song represents Holden in many different aspects. One being his inability to talk about deep issues with people who care. For example the beginning of the song reminded me of the conversation between Holden and Spencer where Spencer starts questioning Holden about flunking out of school and Holden could see that Spencer did want to help him but he just kind of pushed the subject away and left without taking Spencer's help as if he thought he could handle it on his own. Also the fact that the song talks about being forced to attend schools his parents made him, which I'm sure relates to Holden because I doubt that it was his choice to be moved around from prep school to prep school. Most notably the song talks about having to be sent to an institution to be saved from the enemy (himself), as I'm sure that Holden can qualify as his own worst enemy because he puts himself in horrible situations that are easily avoidable and reflect negatively on him and in the end he got institutionalized for it.
- Marc Cortes by the way (oops).
ReplyDelete"Institutionalized" by Suicidal Tendencies
ReplyDeleteSometimes I try to do things and it just doesn't work out the way I wanted to.
I get real frustrated and I try hard to do it and I take my time and it doesn't work out the way I wanted to.
It's like I concentrate real hard and it doesn't work out.
Everything I do and everything I try never turns out.
It's like I need time to figure these things out.
But there's always someone there going.
Hey Mike:
You know we've been noticing you've been having a lot of problems lately.
You know, maybe you should get away and maybe you should talk about it, maybe you'll feel a lot better
And I go:
No it's okay, you know I'll figure it out, just leave me alone I'll figure it out.
You know I'll just work by myself.
And they go:
Well you know if you want to talk about it I'll be here you know and you'll probably feel a lot better if you talk about it.
And I go:
No I don't want to I'm okay, I'll figure it out myself and they just keep bugging me and they just keep bugging me and it builds up inside and it builds up inside.
So you're gonna be institutionalized
You'll come out brainwashed with bloodshot eyes
You won't have any say
They'll brainwash you until you see their way.
[Chorus:]
I'm not crazy - in an institution
You're the one who's crazy - in an institution
You're driving me crazy - in an institution
They stuck me in an institution
Said it was the only solution
To give me the needed professional help
To protect me from the enemy -- myself.
I was in my room and I was just like staring at the wall thinking about everything
But then again I was thinking about nothing
And then my mom came in and I didn't even know she was there she called my name
And I didn't even hear it, and then she started screaming: MIKE! MIKE!
And I go:
What, what's the matter?
And she goes:
What's the matter with you?
I go:
There's nothing wrong mom.
And she goes:
Don't tell me that, you're on drugs!
And I go:
No mom I'm not on drugs I'm okay, I was just thinking you know, why don't you get me a Pepsi.
And she goes:
NO you're on drugs!
I go:
Mom I'm okay, I'm just thinking.
She goes:
No you're not thinking, you're on drugs! Normal people don't act that way!
I go:
Mom just give me a Pepsi, please
All I want is a Pepsi, and she wouldn't give it to me
All I wanted was a Pepsi, just one Pepsi, and she wouldn't give it to me.
Just a Pepsi.
They give you a white shirt with long sleeves
Tied around you're back, you're treated like thieves
Drug you up because they're lazy
It's too much work to help a crazy
[Chorus]
I was sitting in my room and my mom and my dad came in and they pulled up a chair and they sat down, they go:
Mike, we need to talk to you
And I go:
Okay what's the matter
They go:
Me and your mom have been noticing lately that you've been having a lot of problems,
You've been going off for no reason and we're afraid you're gonna hurt somebody,
We're afraid you're gonna hurt yourself.
So we decided that it would be in your interest if we put you somewhere
Where you could get the help that you need.
And I go:
Wait, what are you talking about, we decided!?
My best interest?! How can you know what's my best interest is?
How can you say what my best interest is? What are you trying to say, I'm crazy?
When I went to your schools, I went to your churches,
I went to your institutional learning facilities?! So how can you say I'm crazy?
They say they're gonna fix my brain
Alleviate my suffering and my pain
But by the time they fix my head
Mentally I'll be dead
[Chorus]
It doesn't matter, I'll probably get hit by a car anyway
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteIt's easier to run
ReplyDeleteReplacing this pain with something numb
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone
Something has been taken from deep inside of me
The secret I've kept locked away no one can ever see
Wounds so deep they never show they never go away
Like moving pictures in my head for years and years they've played
(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)
(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)
(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)
(If I could take all the shame to the grave I would)
(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)
(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)
(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)
(I would take all my shame to the grave)
[Chorus]
It's easier to run
Replacing this pain with something numb
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone
Sometimes I remember the darkness of my past
Bringing back these memories I wish I didn't have
Sometimes I think of letting go and never looking back
And never moving forward so there'd never be a past
(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)
(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)
(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)
(If I could take all the shame to the grave I would)
(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)
(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)
(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)
(I would take all my shame to the grave)
Just washing it aside
All of the helplessness inside
Pretending I don't feel misplaced
It's so much simpler than change
[Chorus]
It's easier to run
Replacing this pain with something numb
It's so much easier to go
Than face all this pain here all alone
It's easier to run
(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)
(Retrace every wrong move that I made)
It's easier to go
(If I could change I would take back the pain I would)
(Retrace every wrong move that I made I would)
(If I could stand up and take the blame I would)
(I would take all my shame to the grave)
Easier to Run by Lincoln Park
I chose this song because Holden does have a feeling that he is helpless in this world but won't admit to it, bringing out his ego. When the song says, Just washing it aside, All of the helplessness inside. Pretending I don't feel misplaced. It's so much simpler than change," that line displays Holden's emotions that he is constantly resisting himself to change which is why he has such a negative perspective of life. Also, he is trying to run away from his problem instead of face his problems head on which is what he believes is easier to do and he doesn't want people to confront him on this topic (an example is Mr. Spencer when he walked away from the discussion the two were having). The song clearly says this in the opening stanzas when it says, "It's easier to run. Replacing this pain with something numb. It's so much easier to go Than face all this pain here all alone" This song also conveys in a hypothetical way of the relationship between Holden and Jane. Holden seems to never let go the the past events the two had with each other and he doesn't want to display the changes he has made since the last time they met. This is said in the song, "Sometimes I think of letting go and never looking back. And never moving forward so there'd never be a past." This song definitely correlates Holden's perspective of life and his depression.
The song I decided to choose was "All The Lonely People" by the Beatles -
ReplyDeleteI look at all the lonely people.
I look at all the lonely people.
Ella Marigby
Picks up the rice in the church where her wedding has been;
Lives in a dream.
Waits at the window,
Wearing a face that she keeps in a jar by the door.
Who is it for?
All the lonely people, where do they all come from?
All the lonely people, where do they all belong?
Father MacKenzie
Writing the words of a sermon that no one will hear;
No one comes near.
Look at him working,
Nodding his socks in the night when there's nobody there.
What does he care?
All the lonely people, where do they all come from?
All the lonely people, where do they all belong?
I look at all the lonely people.
I look at all the lonely people.
Ella Marigby
Died in the church and was buried alone with her name.
Nobody came.
Father MacKenzie
Wiping the dirt from his hands as he walks from her grave.
No one was saved.
All the lonely people, where do they all come from?
All the lonely people, where do they all belong?
The reason why I decided to choose this song because I feel, much like Holden, it has sort of a depressed tone to the song. Along the same lines the basses of the song when it says "all the lonely people where do they all come from" showing more of an inner conflict or judgement from the main character of the song looking at all the lonely people. This relates to Holden because Holden always has this inner thought of the people around him, constantly judging them and wondering what they are doing. And on a final note when the song states "Lives in a dream" it also represents Holden because he is persistent when it comes to running away from the truth. For example, old Spencer was trying to help Holden saying that he is going to have to change his life around because he failed out. This caused Holden to want to leave Spencer's house because he is scared by what the truth is. And so Holden basically doesn't understand what is reality anymore, and that is almost like living your life "in a dream". - Brandon Simone
Hey guys. I know we already posted but I came upon this song right here that I felt like it resembled Holden perfectly.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vLl1NDwMJps&feature=player_embedded#!