Answer :
Final answer:
Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" does not specify a favorite character in "Romeo and Juliet"; he actually criticizes the play. The universal themes and complex characterizations in Shakespeare's works, like Romeo and Juliet, make them a popular choice in school curricula.
Explanation:
The question "Who is Holden's favorite character in Romeo and Juliet? Why?" is clearly concerning J.D. Salinger's character Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" and his preference when it comes to the characters in Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet". However, there might be a mix-up as Holden Caulfield never specifies a favorite character in "Romeo and Juliet" within the novel "The Catcher in the Rye". Instead, Holden expresses disdain for the play, finding the story to be unreal and the characters phony.
This confusion might stem from the discussion of characters and their roles within plays, where Romeo and Juliet are noted as the protagonists pursuing a tragic love story. While Holden doesn't identify with these characters, another aspect of Shakespeare plays that might come up in discussions of character preferences is the way different interpretations can personalize a role for each actor or student, reflecting the universal appeal of Shakespeare's work.
It is often believed that every ninth-grade student studies Shakespeare because his works, including Romeo and Juliet, contain universal themes that continue to resonate with audiences, depict complex characters, and confront major life issues. This enduring relevance likely contributes to Shakespeare's popularity in school curricula.
