Through the bildungsroman novel Catcher in the Rye and film Igby Goes Down, the composers Salinger and Steers examine their societys emphasis on conformity, prosperity and relationships and the effects they have on youth. Through a variety of literary and film techniques, such as juxtaposition, symbolism and camera angles, both Salinger and Steers explore the values of their respective 1950s and early 21st century societies.
The 1950s American society and the modern American society both hold conformity in very high regard. Both societies had a deep focus on collectivism, with societal conventions encouraging all to unify and simplify. Both Catcher in the Rye and Igby Goes Down are a clear representation of the youth rejecting the value of conformity in their contextual societies. Both Salinger and Steers utilize the characterisation of their young protagonists, Holden and Igby, to epitomise non-conformity. Both characters, of wealthy background, have been expelled from numerous expensive private schools due to inability to fit with social norms. Holden cannot stand the concept of the expensive prep school moulding him into something he does not want to be and hence, he fails to apply himself and gets expelled. Holden considers Pency Prep school, a symbol of conformist society, as phoney and full of morons. Like Holden, Igby rejects the values of conformist society. Igby is sent to military school, an iconic institution of conformity, which Steers uses as physical representation of societys pressure for Igby to conform. Ironically Igby smokes in front of the American Flag, a symbol of American values. Through the use of props and symbolism, Steers reveals how Igby, like Holden, rejects the idea of changing who you are to fit in with society. Both composers utilise their characters physical appearance and dialogue to reflect how they reject conformist societal values. Salingers description of Holdens appearance; a seventeen year old who is 6 foot tall with grey hair, is utilised as an outward representation of his inability to fit in with conventional society. Holden owns a red hunting hat which does not match the conventional fashion of his society. The hat is a symbolic device which physically represents Holdens rejection of conformist society. ...the hat I bought had earlaps in it, and I put them on I didnt give a damn how I looked... Holdens language is very crude and he frequently swears. Salinger uses colloquial language and slang to show how Holden moves against the conventions of his contextual society, a society in which politeness and respect were highly stressed and enforced ...I just sat at that goddam bar...getting drunk as a bastard...Like Holden, Igbys language is vulgar and disrespectful. Through his discourteous demeanour and frequent use of sarcasm whats your major...attitude... Steers reflects how Igby rejects the accepted societal norms. Throughout the film, Igby is shown to reject the societal idea of appearing presentable and wealthy. Multiple times during the film, mise-en-scene is used by Steers. Igby is pictured, as dishevelled, with his tie loose or undone, juxtaposed with well dressed individuals, who epitomise conventional society. Through the use of costume, Steers displaying how Igby rejects the image to which society wants him to conform. As a result, he is shunned by society. Steers utilises a point-of-view shot during the scene where Igby is blindfolded and beaten from all directions. Steers reveals that Igby is trapped as he is assaulted by the pressure to conform from all sides. Likewise, Holden individuality is often ostracised and ridiculed, such as when Stradlater scolds him for being different you dont do a damn thing the way you are supposed to... Salinger uses hyperbole to show that even Holdens own peers, those who should be sympathetic, reject him as he is unable to see things from their point of view. Through the thoughts, actions and appearance of the young protagonists Holden and Igby, both Salinger and Steers criticise their contextual societies value on conformity. They reveal how non-conformists were shunned and ridiculed for their uniqueness in both the 1950s and modern times.
To live in prosperity, the American Dream, was an ideal strived for and highly valued in 1950s American societies. This ideal is still strived for in modern American society. Both Salinger and Steers explore the value placed on prosperity in their respective societies. Both Holden and Igby, teenagers from prosperous families, lack the understanding of the value which is placed on money, as it is a commodity which they have always had. Holdens lack of monetary understanding is reflected in his lack of remorse after losing the schools fencing gear. Holden does not hold the conventional view that money is the pathway to prosperous living and happiness. ...Goddam money. It always ends up making you feel blue as hell... Salinger juxtaposes Holden against his contextual society, showing Holden spending money unquestioningly, unlike the frugal society in which he lives. Igby, like Holden, is a spendthrift in a society which encourages monetary stability. Like Salinger, Steers shows that Igby lacks the comprehension of the value of money. He steals his mothers credit card to spend the night in a luxury hotel. Steer juxtaposes Igby to his brother Ollie and his godfather D.H, representations of prosperity and monetary stability. Through comparison, Steers reveals Igbys inability to acknowledge and understand conventional societys value of money. To live in prosperity, the American dream, was an ideal which both Salingers and Steers contextual societies upheld. Both composers explored the inability of their young protagonists to comprehend the value of money. Through this they reveal that continued prosperity depends on a full understanding of the value of money.
Both 1950s and modern American societies place family relationships in high regard. However the approach to these relationships differs considerably between the two periods. During the 1950s, emotions were kept private and not discussed. In modern times, emotional discussion and release are encouraged. Both Salinger and Steers compositions are bildungsroman texts dealing with emotional expression of teenagers in a society where there is a lack of adult guidance. Salinger portrays Holden as a teenager who has very little parental contact and guidance. He has a poor relationship with his parents, not being able to approach them for help or guidance. ...Theyre nice and all...but theyre also touchy as hell... Due to the restriction on emotional expression during the 1950s, Holden is unable to discuss his feelings with anyone and thus he is unable to comprehend and accept his brothers death. Salinger uses the museum as a symbol of Holdens inability to deal with change which accompanies growing-up. Unprepared Holden is unable to cope with intimate relationships. He sends Sunny, the prostitute, away as he is too afraid and unsure of what to do sex is something I dont understand. Throughout the novel, Salinger uses Holden as a symbol of the confused youth of the 1950s. Like Salinger, Steers explores the emotional stages of a young man growing up. Similarly to Holden, Igby has very little parental guidance which has left him as an emotionally needy character. This becomes evident in the scene where Igby tries to convince Sookie to run away with him. Through the use of high angle shots and dialogue, Steers shows Igbys inability to bear the harsh world alone and his need to feel wanted and cared for. Although emotionally unprepared, because of modern societys approach to intimacy, Igby has full knowledge of intimate relationships and has had sexual relations with multiple women. Through this, Steers shows that although Igby has experience in intimate relationships, he lacks the ability to form strong emotional attachments. Both Salinger and Steers reveal that regardless of societies approach to relationships, youth must have moral adult guidance to be able to form successful relationships.
In conclusion, both Salinger and Steers examine their contextual societys emphasis on conformity, prosperity and relationships. Through the use of a variety of literary and film techniques both composers are able to explore the effects their respective 1950s and modern societies had on the youth of their time.
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