This semi-classic novel was an adventure to read with pupils in Upper Secondary School. They found themes and stories hidden in the text that we missed at the University. His Catholic friend, that everyone bullied but he secretly felt close to and secure with, although he didn't want to show him or the rest of the mob that he did. Did my pupils recognize a pattern in their own lives?
The kid sister Phoebe was also a character they felt close to and she is amiable in every respect, feisty and kind at the same time. No wonder Holden trusts her and is willing to do everything to make her happy. She is fut´rthermore a rather rare character in a novel of this genre: "angry young man going frantic". In those novels you rarely meet any positive female characters.
My own strongest impression from the novel this time was that cruel treatment of upper class children has to do something with the ruling groups in society. To be a top dog is to begin your life unhappy, lost and lonely, friendless in spite of all the money. I hope all those boarding schools make Catcher in the Rye compulsory reading.
