Catcher in the Rye/ The Stranger

             1. The cultural elements, time period, and location add to the actions of the characters in various ways. For example, Holden, the main character, seems able to spend half a week in the New York area with only a few dollars. Due to the low prices he is able to ride in cabs, rent hotel rooms, watch shows at Radio City Music Hall, and still have enough money to spend on alcohol and dinners for a meager price. Realizing that the current New York area is expensive, it is obvious that The Catcher and the Rye takes places decades ago. The time period is clearly stated through not only money, but also cultural elements. The cultural element portion is hard to uncover, however, when Holden contacts his past teacher Mr. Antolini he is invited over. Once over Mr. Antolini's house, Holden is offered a cigarette by his teacher; although a minor Holden accepts the cigarette, thus providing some proof that smoking was not a serious issue, leading us to believe the setting was around 1950.
             2. Okonkwo, the main character in Things Fall Apart, is introduced as a highly noble leader of an African tribe. However, Okonkwo is not what he appears. Once Okonkwo is introduced, a flashback occurs, describing how Okonkwo became so famous. The main motive in how Okonkwo succeeded was in fear that he may grow up to be a lazy farmer like his father. From becoming a poor peasant to a noble leader, Okonkwo was praised. However, his phobia of laziness is forced upon his children and wives. Okonkwo would never tolerate laziness in the children and would beat them if any sign of the disease was shown. His determination that once made him so great, now makes him look terrible in the eyes of his children. The radical change of Okonkwo makes the story interesting because the reader never knows if he would appreciate his children's work, or beat them for a less then satisfactory job.
             3. Holden and Okonkwo are similar, but in radical ways. For example, H
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Catcher in the Rye/ The Stranger. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 15:26, March 28, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/24688.html