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This field of rye is symbollic of Holden's childish dream to live the life of a person who catches children in the rye. He wants them to stay innocent and run around all day with him as their protector.

Rhetorical Analysis of Criticism

Original Criticism Article

The criticism written by Robert Bennett is about the famously controversial novel, The Catcher in the Rye. In his analysis he examines the character development of Holden Caulfield, the main character, and the unique style in which it is written in. He addresses a broad audience and reflects on the works of others that have written about the same topic. Bennett does this through his use of simple diction, organization and use of other works for support.
	The diction used throughout Bennett�s piece is relatively easy to comprehend. He uses understandable diction so that any person with reasonable amounts of previous schooling can read his criticism. He also uses words that do not connote either negative or positive feelings toward the novel. It is a factual piece that focuses on the context and allows for the reader to make up their own mind about the book and its apparent flaws and strengths. The most difficult words that are within Bennett�s piece are provoke, obscene, colloquial, fabricate, vernacular, and sociological. Other than these it is an extremely easy piece to read, and is targeted at all audiences. The piece contains little bias, as Bennett explores both sides of the argument. He addresses previous critic�s response to the novel as they see Holden as a person who carries himself as if he were a saint. This sets up the complex character of Holden as he is stuck between childhood and adulthood. 
	Bennett�s piece also revolves around the many viewpoints that can be taken from the novel. Like anything in life, this book will give whatever is put into it. Therefore if the reader does not want to fully experience the novel they do not have to read deeply into Holden�s situation. According to the piece, Holden uses language in a creative way that intrigues the audience. While there is not a complex story line there is a complex character. Holden�s mental situation makes for an interesting story that captures the audience; although on the surface he appears negative and cynical, he actually contains a lot of positive and forward thinking thoughts. The creative language mentioned earlier is how Bennett displays this positive attitude, taken from the ideas and concepts of others.
	The criticism for The Catcher in the Rye is based around a sequential organization. Bennett begins with a broad opening paragraph and continues to narrow down his main idea throughout his piece. In the body paragraphs he analyzes how the apparent �minor� classic was later depicted as a well written piece of literature through support from other writers and through analysis of Holden�s character. He looks at the concept of Holden originally being misunderstood just like the novel. Bennett also focuses his analysis on the sociological connections that it makes to the time period. He is saying that there is something wrong with the society that produced such a character as Holden, not necessarily Holden who was forced into the situation. 
	Overall, Bennett did an excellent job at using other critics� response to the novel, to make his own argument. Through simple diction and a sequential organization, it is easy to read and follow. He makes his argument clear that the only thing that can be taken from the novel is what is put into it. If a person reads this with a skeptical thought than they will only see the negative side of Holden and not delve deeper into his character for the possible problems of society that have created such a monster.

"Anyway, I'm sort of glad they've got the atomic bomb invented. If there's ever another war, I'm going to sit right the hell on top of it. I'll volunteer for it, I swear to God I will."
-Holden Caulfield

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