Catcher In The Rye F Word Quote
The Catcher in the Rye is a novel by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. The book has been widely read and debated for its themes of innocence, identity, and rebellion. One of the most controversial aspects of the book is the use of profanity, particularly the F word. The F word is used multiple times throughout the book, and one quote in particular has become infamous.
The Quote
The quote in question comes from Chapter 25 of the book, when Holden Caulfield is talking to his sister Phoebe. He says:
"You know what I'd like to be? I mean if I had my goddam choice?"
"What? Stop swearing."
"You know what I'd like to be?"
"What?"
"You know that song 'If a body catch a body comin' through the rye'? I'd like—"
"It's 'If a body meet a body coming through the rye'!" old Phoebe said. "It's a poem. By Robert Burns."
"I know it's a poem by Robert Burns."
"And 'If a body meet a body coming through the rye'!"
"I know it's a poem by Robert Burns."
"She was right, though. It is 'If a body meet a body coming through the rye.' I didn't know it then, though."
"I thought it was 'If a body catch a body,'" I said. "Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around—nobody big, I mean—except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff—I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be."
I could see Phoebe going around and around in my mind. It was driving me crazy. "All right. Come on. Let's go home," I said. We started home.
"Don't you feel like talking?" she said.
"No," I said. "Not much."
I really didn't, but I felt more depressed than sexy. "But listen. Do you remember that song 'If a body catch a body comin' through the rye'? I'd like—"
"It's 'If a body meet a body coming through the rye'!" she cried.
"Old Phoebe. You're a big help, you know that?"
I meant it, too. I didn't know what the hell I was talking about.
The Controversy
The controversy surrounding this quote stems from Holden's use of the F word. The word is used twice in this passage, and it is one of the more explicit instances of profanity in the book. Some readers have criticized Salinger for including such language in a book that is often read by young adults.
However, defenders of the book argue that the language is necessary to accurately portray Holden's character and the world he lives in. Holden is a troubled teenager who is struggling to come to terms with the adult world, and his use of profanity is one of the ways he expresses his frustration and anger.
The Legacy
The Catcher in the Rye has been a controversial book since its publication, and the use of profanity is just one of the reasons why. However, despite the controversy, the book has remained popular and influential. It has been translated into many languages and has sold millions of copies around the world. It has been adapted into plays and movies, and its themes and characters continue to resonate with readers of all ages.
While some readers may be put off by the language used in the book, others see it as an important part of its authenticity and power. The F word quote has become one of the most famous and controversial quotes from the book, but it is just one small part of a much larger and more complex work.
Conclusion
The use of profanity, particularly the F word, in The Catcher in the Rye has been a source of controversy for many years. Some readers see it as an important part of the book's authenticity and power, while others find it offensive and inappropriate. Whatever your opinion may be, it is clear that The Catcher in the Rye is a book that continues to be read and debated by readers of all ages.
