A Comparative Study of The Bell Jar and The Catcher in the Rye from the Perspective of Bildungsroman

Abstract

This paper explores the confusions and challenges encountered by young people in their growth through a comparative study of The Bell Jar and The Catcher in the Rye. The growth of young people is influenced by multiple factors such as social changes, family pressure, gender cognition and psychological predicaments. Esther and Holden exhibit distinct personality traits and coping styles when faced with confusion. This paper points out that adolescent growth literature should reflect the challenges and confusions teenagers encounter in real life and shape authentic, three-dimensional characters in order to guide young people to better cope with challenges and achieve healthy growth.