M.A. in English
National University, March 2014
Theory & Pedagogy Courses |
Literature & Analysis Courses |
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Master's Thesis"'My Whole Goddam Autobiography': Profanity and Characterization in The Catcher in the Rye"
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My Thesis, "'My Whole Goddam Autobiography': Profanity and Characterization in The Catcher in the Rye," has been a pet project of mine for the last few years. Catcher fascinated me, and I was equally fascinated by the polemical criticism attracted by its adult elements. My Thesis -- excerpt below -- seeks to explain the necessary contribution of these controversial elements and themes and hopefully illumine Salinger's profound and elaborate message.
"Rather than attempt to split the perspectives on profanity in literature or otherwise (Adams, Demarest, Coyne), this paper aims to recognize that the adult elements – especially the profanity – in Catcher critically contribute to outlining the inherent message of the novel. If/when Holden’s character – or a defining aspect of his character like specific diction - is censored or removed, The Catcher in the Rye loses the poignancy and tension of Salinger’s dichotomous innocence/corruption juxtaposition. In this sense, profanity serves as a literary device that highlights the pull between childlike innocence and adult corruption." |
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