Describe and explain the design scheme of the book cover you turned in.
The book cover, which was drawn after reading only approximately nine chapters of the book, is a representation of what I think the book cover should have been. The front shows a scene of Holden walking with a cigarette in his mouth holding his Gladstone with Pencey written on it. It also depicts the scene where Holden recently got out of the cab and is walking to the hotel across the street. I added the cigarette because it is one of the primary objects that keep him unfit physically and mentally, which leads to his cynicism. The cynicism can be carried on to represent Holden’s alienation from society. The cigarette represents his alienation from society because it shows how Holden is much different from most people his age, who usually do not smoke. I also added in the Gladstone with Pencey written on it because I feel it was a pretty big part of Holden’s life. However, like most luggage, it is a burden, which he must carry around. Additionally, the scene which shows him getting out of a cab and going to a hotel represents Holden’s transition from trying to conform to society’s or his school’s rules and going into a new part of his life, which he abandons his education for the moment. Also, I purposely put the title in the pond because the title, which may mean Holden’s desire to be the protector of innocence or simply represent innocence, is surrounded by society’s ‘phoniness.’ The dull buildings and landscape may represent society’s phoniness. However, I also added the lamp because I believe the lamp may symbolize the few genuine people in the adult world that Holden meets. Some examples of these people are the nuns and Ernest Morrow’s mother. The back page, on the other hand, is completely different to the front page. The front page represents the reality in which Holden lives in, however, the back page represents what Holden wishes to acquire at the moment. The entity that Holden wishes to obtain or repossess is either being the protector of innocence in society or becoming innocent again, so that he does not have to deal with society’s fakery. This, described in the book, was being in a field of rye where children can play freely and not be corrupted by society. The big tree represents Holden and how he wanted to be the protector of these children.
Your book cover is really interesting because of all the symbolism. One thing I want to point out is that your book cover has no color. I’m not sure if you did this purposely, but I think it’s a nice touch because it could symbolize the dullness in Holden’s life and how his depression has drained the color from his life and his surroundings. If you had put a little bit of color on the back then it could symbolize the hope that Holden has for the future generation and how he wants to protect them. I also like the little details like the barcode and the publishing company that you put on the book cover to make it seem like a real book cover that could be used.
ReplyDeleteThis book cover of yours shows Holden and his connection to the world. Nobody is around him or wants to be with him, while he is desperate for some company. I see that he is wearing his hunting hat and smoking a cigarette as usual, as they are two of the key items that represent Holden. The taxi behind him seems to drive away from him. Also, the bench isn’t taken by anyone. I think these details show how Holden is isolated from others. Holden looks like he is waiting for something or someone to show up. I think this shows that Holden is lonely and depressed. Nice drawing!
ReplyDelete