Text Connections

     The constant theme of growing and maturing in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye can be compared to The Bell Jar.  In The Bell Jar, Esther endures a battle within herself and society over whether she should submit to the ideal woman’s character or rebel against it.  Similarly, Holden, in The Catcher in the Rye, also battles against the societal norms and often thinks of suicide.  In contrast, Holden works to preserve the sacredness of innocence despite his rash and immoral actions while Esther works to become less innocent in her attempts to lose her virginity.  It is also clear that both characters are constantly trying to become more in touch with nature or compare their feelings to natural occurrences.  Esther relates her feelings of loneliness and unhappiness to that of a tornado and also comments on the disappearance of nature in New York City.  Holden, also talks profoundly of nature when he worries about where the ducks go in the cold winter, despite the annoyance many people feel when he asks them, which in turn symbolizes both his worries for innocent beings and also how not very many people care about him, besides his teacher Mr. Spencer.    Despite the two novels’ differences, both of the protagonists end up in mental asylums.  

       I can also relate to Esther in The Bell Jar because I too sometimes second guess the meaning of life.  Although I have not taken such extreme measures to find out what I want like Esther did, I still sometimes feel depressed despite my success in school.  In the novel, Esther has gotten everything a girl could dream of and instead of now following down the domestic path; she becomes consumed with her depression and in turn becomes insane.  I can understand Esther’s thoughts as she is turning the next page in her life and I too feel scared for what comes next.  Like Esther, I am growing up and on my way to maturity and sometimes I question what I really want. I am faced with societal pressures to go to college and get a job and then raise a family.  Every day I work strenuously towards my goals mirroring Esther’s hard work for the Fashion magazine.  Esther has always wanted to work her entire life but when she is asked what she wants face to face, she has a hard time coming up with a sure answer.