Bittersweet Symphony- The Verve
This song would be placed on page 52 after Holden leaves Pencey feeling lost and unsure where his life will carry him. Holden’s exasperation in this moment corresponds to the dismal mood of the song Bittersweet Symphony.
The Verve’s Bittersweet Symphony relates to Holden’s desolate state of mind, as the lyrics reveal a similar cynical outlook on life. Holden expresses a particular frustration with the world’s attachment to money and material possessions. While referring to his brother, Holden states, “Now he’s out in Hollywood, D.B., being a prostitute” (Salinger 2). Holden regards others as “prostitutes,” ones who adapt phony natures only for the sake of money. The Verve translates this same perspective through the line, “You’re a slave to money then you die” (Bittersweet Symphony). The Verve conveys the idea that society has conformed to a corrupt cycle, revolving around the influence of money. Holden, enveloped in this same cycle, longs to break free of the grasp of materialism. However, he senses that his voice remains unheard to others, causing him to feel dismal and alone. Similarly, the Verve communicates a sense of forlornness through the line, “the airways are clean and there’s nobody singing to me now” (Bittersweet Symphony). Bittersweet Symphony and Holden both express a feeling of isolation while trying to escape the unjust nature of society.
Bittersweet Symphony Song Link
I agree this song would fit great with Holdens thoughts. The line "I can't change my mold" could also describe Holden. Holden does not want to change his indifferent attitude and therefor gets kicked out of a number a schools.
ReplyDeleteI agree completely with Kendyl's point about the disorientation of Holden's state of mind and how this song utilizes that point. Along the same lines as Kendyl, I noticed that the lines, "I am here in my mind, And I'm a million different people, from one day to the next," shows that Holden is not completely "there" in his head. There are multiple times that we see Holden switch emotions and regards towards people loving them one moment, and hating them the next, an example would be Phoebe. Holden keeps his thoughts compiled in his head, and because of that he is on a constant overload, which leads to other problems. This song emphasizes his difference and how caught up he is in his mind.
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