What do Holden Caufield, Jerry Fletcher (Conspiracy Theory, 1997, played by Mel Gibson) and a modern conspiracy theorist have in common? On this episode of Troubadour Podcast, I discuss the style of J.D. Salinger's story about Holden Caufield's weekend adventure.
This is a book that has been linked to multiple assassins, including the man who shot John Lennon. It is also a favorite among teenage boys. What can we learn from the method of Caufield's 'stream of consciousness' that can reveal an important truth about the followers of Qanon, and other modern conspiracy theorists?
In this video I will outline the general plot of "The Catcher in the Rye,' what I call "the Caufield Effect,' and explain my view on why it is critical to read this book today.
Below is the poem I cite in the video (and that is the basis for the name "Catcher in the Rye." A few words translated: weet = wet. draigl't = draggled. gin = if/should. warl = world. ken = know. ain = own.
Comin thro' the Rye
BY ROBERT BURNS
[First Setting]
Comin thro' the rye, poor body,
Comin thro' the rye,
She draigl't a' her petticoatie
Comin thro' the rye.
[CHORUS.]
Oh Jenny 's a' weet poor body
Jenny 's seldom dry,
She draigl't a' her petticoatie
Comin thro' the rye.
Gin a body meet a body
Comin thro' the rye,
Gin a body kiss a body —
Need a body cry.
Oh Jenny 's a' weet, &c.
Gin a body meet a body
Comin thro' the glen;
Gin a body kiss a body —
Need the warld ken!
Oh Jenny 's a' weet, &c.
[Second Setting]
Gin a body meet a body, comin thro' the rye,
Gin a body kiss a body, need a body cry;
Ilka body has a body, ne'er a ane hae I;
But a' the lads they loe me, and what the waur am I.
Gin a body meet a body, comin frae the well,
Gin a body kiss a body, need a body tell;
Ilka body has a body, ne'er a ane hae I,
But a the lads they loe me, and what the waur am I.
Gin a body meet a body, comin frae the town,
Gin a body kiss a body, need a body gloom;
Ilka Jenny has her Jockey, ne'er a ane hae I,
But a' the lads they loe me, and what the waur am I.
