Welcome to Mr. Hughes's Catcher in the Rye blog! You will use this site as a sounding board for your thoughts and reflections as you follow our protagonist, Holden Caulfield, on his physical and emotional journey through the streets of New York City.
Chapter 2 Discussion
Mr. Spencer tells Holden that life is a game, a game that one must play by the rules. Holden disagrees. He feels it is only a game for the people on the side with all the "hotshots."
I think that Holden means if you have something to play for then go ahead and play but if you have no reason to then don't take the chance. I disagree with Holden because us you don't play by the rulers in life you won't know how to play at so and you won't go very far either. I believe that life is a game because in games you don't know what will be thrown at you and you must deal with the consequences if you choose the wrong thing and life is the same thing.
Life is definitly a game, and Holden means that the cards are yours and you should go ahead and play them but if you know that something is going to go bad and that you have no reason too, then you shouldn't. I think that Holden has a good point because if you know that something is not going to go that well or you have no reason to do something, then you shouldn't but otherwise you should take that chance. Anything is possible and taking that chance might help get you to your goal.
Life is in every way, a game. One must learn how to "play by the rules" as Mr. Spencer said. However, Holden disagrees with this statement, as he believes that no one is "real" and everyone is putting on an image. My interpritation of what Holden means is that Holden thinks that its safe for the people on the side with the "hotshots" and that they try to hard to play by the rules> In my opinion, Holden thinks that the "hotshots" have more to loose, by taking a risk and don't want to get pushed down, so they play by the rules. (help....)
I beleive Holden means that life is only a game for the people who are smart/good at something, and that those are the people who have a chance at winning. Holden doesn't have a good point, because you don't have a chance to win the game if you don't try or participate. Everyone can grow and become good at something, because everyone is and you just have to search for that within yourself. Life absolutly is a game, because there are many paths, choices, decisions. Often many people make a bad decision or take the wrong path, which only gets them stuck, but after a while you can get yourself out of that ditch, although you will be set back a bit.
Holden doesn’t think that life is a game because he thinks everyone is fake. He has a good point being that unless you’re popular or well known then life isn’t a game, you’re just someone else waiting for something to happen as opposed to making it happen by yourself. But that’s up to you whether you do act upon that and do something for yourself. Life is a game because there are many obstacles one may overcome and to get there takes time, decisions and effort. These are things that not everyone is willing to do. If you don’t play by the rules meaning if you don’t do what’s right, you’ll get left behind.
I think that Holden is saying that if you are going for something, keep going, but don't do it if you don't need to. I disagree with Holden because if you don't play by the rules in life, you won't go very far in life. Yes, I think that life is a game because in life, you never know what will happen, and if you choose the wrong thing, you will have to manage it.
I definitely believe life is a game, every day we wake up and the day ahead of us is always a mystery. After all, there is a game called Life, where you make choices and decisions that can affect/change the whole outcome of the game. I think what Holden meant when he said life is only a game for people with all the "hotshots" is, it's a game for people that always win or get what they want. Therefore, they've got nothing to lose. I don't think Holden has a good point because if you don't take part in the game you may never win or have a chance at winning, if you try there will always be a chance.
I think Holden makes a good point. Life is a game, one we all choose to play, but its not fair that people who have "cheat sheets" get to pass the normal player by. Those who know how to cut corners and cheat are more successful and I think this is what Holden is referring to. But at the same time Holden must remember, Cheaters never win, although it may seem like it, without having to learn to deal with life's dilemmas, people become ill equipped to handle the curve balls life throws.
I agree with Keely in the way that Holden thinks that life is only a game for the ones that want it to be a game. For all the challenges in life is like an obstacle and each day you face a new one. Holden does have a good point but also i feel that some strive more and in that way they are trying to win the game while others just sit around and watch like an audience. So Spencer is telling him to be in the game instead of the one who thinks he is not smart enough so they sit on the side.Life is a game and you chose in what way you want to play in it.
I agree with Mr. Spencer, in saying that life is a game. You wake up each morning not knowing what the day brings. For the most part, that's up to you. However, Holden brings up a good point that its only a game with those who have all the "hotshots", and cheat their way by. I agree with Avery's final point, saying that although it may seem like it, you don't have to cheat in order to win. I think Holden is so bored with life, he thinks of excuses to not enjoy it (refer to it as a game).
Holden feels that is everything is going for you that the "rules" of life can easily be followed. If you are not as he called it a "hotshot" then the rules become more and more difficult to follow. Holden has a great point when he says this because he can relate to it from personal experience. He doesn't want to walk around with a fake smile on and pretend everything is good if it is not. I agree to some degree that life is a game. We all have routines that we follow everyday and that we dont break away from. But,you are the one that will determine how the outcome of this came will turn out and if you make the right choices it can become significantly easier but if you don't the game becomes a struggle.
I agree with Mr. Spencer that life is a game. One must learn how to play this game and play by the rules. Throughout everyone's life, they learn how to speak and act in certain situations. When Holden says that life is only a game for the "hotshots" he means that only the rich and powerful play this "game" and win, because they have nothing to lose.
I agree with Keely, Holden thinks life is a game only for those smart enough to have a chance at winning. Holden sees his own life not apart of the game. He doesn't really have any goals in life, therefore there is no way to win. He lives his daily life with no motivation and nothing to live for. I believe this is a horrible way to live. Everyone should have a goal and the game is to win and achieve that goal. Even if you take a detour, your ultimate goal should always be to win and finally be able to do whatever you want to do with your life. Holden is living for nothing and I guess if that's what he wants, then he's winning.
Holden feels that life is only a game if you're willing to play. If you are with the crowd and are trying to compete with others and what they think, that is what makes it a competition. Whereas life is not a game when you are finding your own path, living your life and finding whatever's best for you. I agree that life can be a game for others. However others that are not willing to compete and 'play' the game, are not playing thee game at all. Rather than game, i would choose a different word, something more along the lines of choice. I choose this word because I think of life as more of a choice, or many choices. You choose to get up, you choose to go to school, you choose to eat, you choose to breathe, and you choose to live. People who are not participating in the game of life, and choosing not to play the game, and focus on themselves and their life, rather than others.
I believe that life is a "game", and in order to be good at this "game" you do have to play by the rules. I believe Holden means that in order to play you have to be a "hotshot" or side with them. I believe that his statement is incorrect. You can stay true to yourself and play the "game"of life, and be very successful.
I believe that holden is trying to say that in order for humans to stay civilized we must play by the rules. The risks that a single person makes can effect many people it is not smart. If you know you can succeed in your task and it doesn't effect others go for it but if is uncivilized and out of order don't take a chance. I agree with this because that is the reason we have laws and as you can see everyday people get hurt because they do not obey the law. It sounds weird saying life is a game but to some extent it is true. We must take another step or skip another space when we succeed, and take a step back when we do something wrong like a board game
I agree with Avery, about people having disadvantages, or cheat sheets while playing the game of life. I agree with everything that has been said about how life is a game and you can succeed as long as you know how to play it. I think Mr. Spencer means that in order to succeed in life you have to follow the set rules, otherwise you cannot win. I think he shows this when he explains to Holden that his life is taking the wrong path and he will not be able to turn it around because he is not doing what he is supposed to do. I believe Holdens point of you is the opposite. That it is silly to believe Mr.Spencer, that those rules don't apply to everyone, only big shots who may have insight, money or power. Whereas with him he can veer off the path a little but still make it where he has to go. There is a quote, "Life is a game, and we keep score with money." The score, or money, is a measure of your success, if you win or lose. The more you play the game, the better at it you get, the more points you earn. Holden does have a good point, that the game is not fair, and when you think about life is not fair, you have to know how to play it and if you don't you lose a lot.
I believe that life is a game and I personally do agree with Mr. Spencer. Holden doesn't give if he achieves anything in life, which is why he says that only hotshots may play the game, because they have had some accomplishments. But really, what are the rules in life, the rules to achieve your goals? They are different for everyone out there, which is why everyone's life is different. So we all must play the "game" of life according to how we are as a person, how we act everyday of our lives. Its not really a competition, but more as to see what we have "won" at the end of the game.
Holden means that in order to play the game of life, you must be a "hotshot" or even associated with a "hotshot." Holden is saying that life is a gam for most people who are fake/phonies that view life as a game. When Holden refers to "The other side," I believe he means the people who be themselves 100% of the time and know what their goals in life are. I believe that life is a game to some extent because many decisions must be made in a person's life so they have a chance to succeed.
I think that Holden means that life is only a game if you have enough skills or are popular enough to play it like the "hotshots". He does have a good point in my opinion. It's much harder to make things happen for yourself or cause things to change when you are often overlooked or not listened to for the simple reason that you're not a popular "hotshot". Life is a game because in the end you'll either win and make something good out of the things you are given, or you'll lose and not many positive things will come out of your life.
I think Holden means that life is only played by the rules by "the good ones who are perfect". Its your choice what you want to do in life you don't have to be perfect with school if you don't want to be, because its your game to play. Holden looks at it this way because he is not your ideal good kid he gets kicked out of schools, and is not very responsible. I think Holden has a good point, but it is not a good way to look at life. Life is a game their are challenges along the way to reach your personal ultimate goal.
These comments are really fantastic. It looks as though there is a general consensus among you that life is essentially a game with rules you must play by. Avery and Maria, you have a good point when you say that some people have a cheat sheet.
Life does seem like a game at times. I remember when I first met my guidance counselor in college. He told me to "play the game." I told me to sit at the front of the class, make eye contact with the professor, and ask at least one question during each lecture. He also said I should try to buy my professor coffee at least once each semester.
Then again, I think of people who are starving to death around to world, and struggling to survive each day. It seems monumentally insufficient to say that they are playing a game.
I agree with Mr.Spencer becuase life is game and you do have to know how to play it. Life is a Game in certain occasions beacuse if you dont controll it you lose like in this story Holden lost many times becuase hes moved to many schools because of his behaviors. in life there are challenges that are there to make you stronger.
that the people that have some one to help them and have good looks get ahead and leaving normal people out so they are the only one playing to get a head
What Holden means when he says this is that the world is preducuce against people who aren't always the best and the people who don't always stand out. This leaves people to be discluded from the game of the life. I think that Holden has a good point because countries are not represented by the people on the side but by the people that are famous that is why people think of the U.S as a snotty state. In some cases life is a game and some is not. You can live your life freely and not worry what others think of you or you could go around trying to be the tuff guy or the cool guy or the mean guy and try to fit the role of the person. In that case I believe that you are living your life as a game and that is not always a good thing.
I think that Holden means if you have something to play for then go ahead and play but if you have no reason to then don't take the chance. I disagree with Holden because us you don't play by the rulers in life you won't know how to play at so and you won't go very far either. I believe that life is a game because in games you don't know what will be thrown at you and you must deal with the consequences if you choose the wrong thing and life is the same thing.
ReplyDeleteLife is definitly a game, and Holden means that the cards are yours and you should go ahead and play them but if you know that something is going to go bad and that you have no reason too, then you shouldn't. I think that Holden has a good point because if you know that something is not going to go that well or you have no reason to do something, then you shouldn't but otherwise you should take that chance. Anything is possible and taking that chance might help get you to your goal.
ReplyDeleteLife is in every way, a game. One must learn how to "play by the rules" as Mr. Spencer said. However, Holden disagrees with this statement, as he believes that no one is "real" and everyone is putting on an image. My interpritation of what Holden means is that Holden thinks that its safe for the people on the side with the "hotshots" and that they try to hard to play by the rules> In my opinion, Holden thinks that the "hotshots" have more to loose, by taking a risk and don't want to get pushed down, so they play by the rules. (help....)
ReplyDeleteI beleive Holden means that life is only a game for the people who are smart/good at something, and that those are the people who have a chance at winning. Holden doesn't have a good point, because you don't have a chance to win the game if you don't try or participate. Everyone can grow and become good at something, because everyone is and you just have to search for that within yourself. Life absolutly is a game, because there are many paths, choices, decisions. Often many people make a bad decision or take the wrong path, which only gets them stuck, but after a while you can get yourself out of that ditch, although you will be set back a bit.
ReplyDeleteHolden doesn’t think that life is a game because he thinks everyone is fake. He has a good point being that unless you’re popular or well known then life isn’t a game, you’re just someone else waiting for something to happen as opposed to making it happen by yourself. But that’s up to you whether you do act upon that and do something for yourself. Life is a game because there are many obstacles one may overcome and to get there takes time, decisions and effort. These are things that not everyone is willing to do. If you don’t play by the rules meaning if you don’t do what’s right, you’ll get left behind.
ReplyDeleteI think that Holden is saying that if you are going for something, keep going, but don't do it if you don't need to. I disagree with Holden because if you don't play by the rules in life, you won't go very far in life. Yes, I think that life is a game because in life, you never know what will happen, and if you choose the wrong thing, you will have to manage it.
ReplyDeleteI definitely believe life is a game, every day we wake up and the day ahead of us is always a mystery. After all, there is a game called Life, where you make choices and decisions that can affect/change the whole outcome of the game. I think what Holden meant when he said life is only a game for people with all the "hotshots" is, it's a game for people that always win or get what they want. Therefore, they've got nothing to lose. I don't think Holden has a good point because if you don't take part in the game you may never win or have a chance at winning, if you try there will always be a chance.
ReplyDeleteI think Holden makes a good point. Life is a game, one we all choose to play, but its not fair that people who have "cheat sheets" get to pass the normal player by. Those who know how to cut corners and cheat are more successful and I think this is what Holden is referring to. But at the same time Holden must remember, Cheaters never win, although it may seem like it, without having to learn to deal with life's dilemmas, people become ill equipped to handle the curve balls life throws.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Keely in the way that Holden thinks that life is only a game for the ones that want it to be a game. For all the challenges in life is like an obstacle and each day you face a new one. Holden does have a good point but also i feel that some strive more and in that way they are trying to win the game while others just sit around and watch like an audience. So Spencer is telling him to be in the game instead of the one who thinks he is not smart enough so they sit on the side.Life is a game and you chose in what way you want to play in it.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. Spencer, in saying that life is a game. You wake up each morning not knowing what the day brings. For the most part, that's up to you. However, Holden brings up a good point that its only a game with those who have all the "hotshots", and cheat their way by. I agree with Avery's final point, saying that although it may seem like it, you don't have to cheat in order to win. I think Holden is so bored with life, he thinks of excuses to not enjoy it (refer to it as a game).
ReplyDeleteHolden feels that is everything is going for you that the "rules" of life can easily be followed. If you are not as he called it a "hotshot" then the rules become more and more difficult to follow. Holden has a great point when he says this because he can relate to it from personal experience. He doesn't want to walk around with a fake smile on and pretend everything is good if it is not. I agree to some degree that life is a game. We all have routines that we follow everyday and that we dont break away from. But,you are the one that will determine how the outcome of this came will turn out and if you make the right choices it can become significantly easier but if you don't the game becomes a struggle.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Mr. Spencer that life is a game. One must learn how to play this game and play by the rules. Throughout everyone's life, they learn how to speak and act in certain situations. When Holden says that life is only a game for the "hotshots" he means that only the rich and powerful play this "game" and win, because they have nothing to lose.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Keely, Holden thinks life is a game only for those smart enough to have a chance at winning. Holden sees his own life not apart of the game. He doesn't really have any goals in life, therefore there is no way to win. He lives his daily life with no motivation and nothing to live for. I believe this is a horrible way to live. Everyone should have a goal and the game is to win and achieve that goal. Even if you take a detour, your ultimate goal should always be to win and finally be able to do whatever you want to do with your life. Holden is living for nothing and I guess if that's what he wants, then he's winning.
ReplyDeleteHolden feels that life is only a game if you're willing to play. If you are with the crowd and are trying to compete with others and what they think, that is what makes it a competition. Whereas life is not a game when you are finding your own path, living your life and finding whatever's best for you. I agree that life can be a game for others. However others that are not willing to compete and 'play' the game, are not playing thee game at all. Rather than game, i would choose a different word, something more along the lines of choice. I choose this word because I think of life as more of a choice, or many choices. You choose to get up, you choose to go to school, you choose to eat, you choose to breathe, and you choose to live. People who are not participating in the game of life, and choosing not to play the game, and focus on themselves and their life, rather than others.
ReplyDeleteI believe that life is a "game", and in order to be good at this "game" you do have to play by the rules. I believe Holden means that in order to play you have to be a "hotshot" or side with them. I believe that his statement is incorrect. You can stay true to yourself and play the "game"of life, and be very successful.
ReplyDeleteI believe that holden is trying to say that in order for humans to stay civilized we must play by the rules. The risks that a single person makes can effect many people it is not smart. If you know you can succeed in your task and it doesn't effect others go for it but if is uncivilized and out of order don't take a chance. I agree with this because that is the reason we have laws and as you can see everyday people get hurt because they do not obey the law. It sounds weird saying life is a game but to some extent it is true. We must take another step or skip another space when we succeed, and take a step back when we do something wrong like a board game
ReplyDelete-joe fraioli
I agree with Avery, about people having disadvantages, or cheat sheets while playing the game of life. I agree with everything that has been said about how life is a game and you can succeed as long as you know how to play it. I think Mr. Spencer means that in order to succeed in life you have to follow the set rules, otherwise you cannot win. I think he shows this when he explains to Holden that his life is taking the wrong path and he will not be able to turn it around because he is not doing what he is supposed to do. I believe Holdens point of you is the opposite. That it is silly to believe Mr.Spencer, that those rules don't apply to everyone, only big shots who may have insight, money or power. Whereas with him he can veer off the path a little but still make it where he has to go. There is a quote, "Life is a game, and we keep score with money." The score, or money, is a measure of your success, if you win or lose. The more you play the game, the better at it you get, the more points you earn. Holden does have a good point, that the game is not fair, and when you think about life is not fair, you have to know how to play it and if you don't you lose a lot.
ReplyDeleteI believe that life is a game and I personally do agree with Mr. Spencer. Holden doesn't give if he achieves anything in life, which is why he says that only hotshots may play the game, because they have had some accomplishments. But really, what are the rules in life, the rules to achieve your goals? They are different for everyone out there, which is why everyone's life is different. So we all must play the "game" of life according to how we are as a person, how we act everyday of our lives. Its not really a competition, but more as to see what we have "won" at the end of the game.
ReplyDeleteHolden means that in order to play the game of life, you must be a "hotshot" or even associated with a "hotshot." Holden is saying that life is a gam for most people who are fake/phonies that view life as a game. When Holden refers to "The other side," I believe he means the people who be themselves 100% of the time and know what their goals in life are. I believe that life is a game to some extent because many decisions must be made in a person's life so they have a chance to succeed.
ReplyDeleteI think that Holden means that life is only a game if you have enough skills or are popular enough to play it like the "hotshots". He does have a good point in my opinion. It's much harder to make things happen for yourself or cause things to change when you are often overlooked or not listened to for the simple reason that you're not a popular "hotshot". Life is a game because in the end you'll either win and make something good out of the things you are given, or you'll lose and not many positive things will come out of your life.
ReplyDeleteI think Holden means that life is only played by the rules by "the good ones who are perfect". Its your choice what you want to do in life you don't have to be perfect with school if you don't want to be, because its your game to play. Holden looks at it this way because he is not your ideal good kid he gets kicked out of schools, and is not very responsible. I think Holden has a good point, but it is not a good way to look at life. Life is a game their are challenges along the way to reach your personal ultimate goal.
ReplyDeleteThese comments are really fantastic. It looks as though there is a general consensus among you that life is essentially a game with rules you must play by. Avery and Maria, you have a good point when you say that some people have a cheat sheet.
ReplyDeleteLife does seem like a game at times. I remember when I first met my guidance counselor in college. He told me to "play the game." I told me to sit at the front of the class, make eye contact with the professor, and ask at least one question during each lecture. He also said I should try to buy my professor coffee at least once each semester.
Then again, I think of people who are starving to death around to world, and struggling to survive each day. It seems monumentally insufficient to say that they are playing a game.
I agree with Mr.Spencer becuase life is game and you do have to know how to play it. Life is a Game in certain occasions beacuse if you dont controll it you lose like in this story Holden lost many times becuase hes moved to many schools because of his behaviors. in life there are challenges that are there to make you stronger.
ReplyDeletei agree with Oscar because life is a game
ReplyDeletethat the people that have some one to help them and have good looks get ahead and leaving normal people out so they are the only one playing to get a head
ReplyDeleteWhat Holden means when he says this is that the world is preducuce against people who aren't always the best and the people who don't always stand out. This leaves people to be discluded from the game of the life. I think that Holden has a good point because countries are not represented by the people on the side but by the people that are famous that is why people think of the U.S as a snotty state. In some cases life is a game and some is not. You can live your life freely and not worry what others think of you or you could go around trying to be the tuff guy or the cool guy or the mean guy and try to fit the role of the person. In that case I believe that you are living your life as a game and that is not always a good thing.
ReplyDelete