Sheela's Research Report

From English 194 Wiki

1 The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Related Matters

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Related Matters

Abstract

This paper seeks to examine the website “The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Related Matters”. The creator of this site has compiled some of his own works, collected works from others, and has incorporated links to other valuable literature and sites for this creative and informational website about The Catcher in the Rye. The site explores the novel from the unique perspective of both the site author and by submissions from the public. This site serves as an appropriate source of study for the UCSB English 194 Catcher Project Team.

Description

“The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Related Matters” website is a link-based site. It is not animated, but it provides the user with the basic navigation structure. It begins with an “Introductory Home Page,” and then presents three other main sections: “Internal Aspects,” “External Aspects,” and “Links and Things.” Additionally, there is a Catcher in the Rye “Gallery” of photographs, pictures, and images that people have submitted of their interpretation of scenes and characters from the novel. These various sections of the website are not ordered consecutively, therefore the user may navigate as he or she pleases. When a user visits each section, the user is presented with more subdivisions and links to further the scope of information.

Each section focuses on different characteristics of Catcher in the Rye. In the section “Internal Aspects,” the site author provides a critical examination of the novel itself. According to the site, the books intrinsic features, such as summary, symbolism, key words used, essays, and so much more, are included in this section. The “External Aspects” section includes many topics and ideas that are related to the book, but not directly from the book. Some examples of its features include biographical information about Salinger, and things that somehow correlate with the novel such as books, movies, and song lyrics. The final section, “Links and Things,” consists of books and links to other websites about, Catcher in the Rye.

Evaluation of Opportunities and Limitations for Team Project

“The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Related Matters” is a particularly useful tool for the English 194 Catcher Project Team. Some aspects of the site may seem limited, however, all of the sections provide at least some suggestions towards new ideas and possibilities for our group.

The introduction page is not particularly engaging, but its simplicity makes it appealing. The user knows exactly what is in store as he or she goes from link to link, section to section. A disadvantage that continues throughout the remainder of the site is its choice of color scheme. It is a limitation to the overall presentation of the site, which makes it seem unprofessional and seem less like a credible source. This is an important characteristic to consider while making our projects because presentation is essential. Sound effects, flash media, or animation that would attract a potential user are nonexistent in this site. Nevertheless, this is an informational website and is great for suggestions for our groups interactive game about Catcher in the Rye.

The “Gallery” of visual images is a very important feature of this site, as such visual images will be the basis of representing our project. What was most interesting about this site’s artwork is that it was submitted by people from all over the world, with their own interpretations of scenes and what characters, such as Holden, might look like. The Catcher Project Team is struggling with determining what or how will be the most appropriate way to visually represent the novel visually through our game. There is a great deal of images of scenery and characters, along with style techniques, that will be valuable in creating our project. This is important considering that our group is trying to determine how or in what way we will be representing the characters.

The other three main sections, “Internal Aspects,” “External Aspects,” and “Links and Things,” all maintain certain characteristics that should be reflected upon while making the Catcher Team Project game. In the “Internal Aspects” section, there is a great deal of information regarding symbolism, creative project ideas, and in-depth analysis of character. In addition, another feature of this section I found to be interesting was a selected word count. In this count, “Phoebe” was the most used word (of the selected words chosen) at approximately 116 times. This might be interesting if we somehow incorporate Phoebe into the game we are creating, considering that she is such an essential character in Holden’s mind. A possibility for the Catcher Team Project to think about, is to visually depict Phoebe that many times throughout the entirety of the game. This section of the website is likely to suggest the most possibilities for our project. This section is simply a good place for getting ideas, especially because the creator has so many ideas for different things regarding the novel.

The “External Aspects” portion is beneficial to the Catcher Team Project because it is about things that are not directly associated to novel, but are somehow correlated to the novel. For example, this section features many books, movies, and songs that incorporate either the book itself or the character Holden Caulfield. It is fascinating to see how well or poorly others have incorporated Catcher in the Rye into their work. By examining these sources, The Catcher Project Team can consider what characteristics of the characters and the book are significant enough to make an external production about. As I explore the many different examples from this section, I think it would be extremely interesting to have the Catcher Project Team’s game associated with such similar works. Our project would be distinct from the rest, as the only interactive game based on The Catcher in the Rye.

Lastly, the “Links and Things” section serves as a great tool for furthering knowledge about Catcher in the Rye from other authors, and it includes additional reference sources such as other websites and books.

Overall, this website is a great source for getting new ideas and gathering information about Catcher in the Rye. Its biggest fallback, in terms of assisting us with ideas for the game, is that it is not a game style website, and therefore cannot reveal or expose specific limitations for my group. It would be more valuable if some of the links led to more interactive and media based sites and projects. However, since such suggestions are lacking, it may imply that there is a greater controversy, than the Catcher Project Team expects, in terms of Salinger’s adverse perspective on others recreating, imitating, or reproducing his novel in such a manner.

Resources for Further Study

“The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Related Matters” covers practically all aspects that could be considered regarding the novel. Nevertheless, the creator of the site provides more than sufficient suggestions of literature and links to extend knowledge and information regarding the author and the novel. Of the selection, the website “Exploring The Catcher in the Rye,” a subjective site by Suzanne Morine, seems to be very enlightening and creative.

Carery, William B. “ShrinkLits I: the catcher in the rye.(Literary Quotes).” Journal of Developmental & Behavioral Pediatrics 24.5 (2003): 358. Expanded Academic ASAP. Thomas Gale. University of California, Santa Barbara. 14 May 2007.

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