Document Type
Essay
Publication Date
Spring 2026
Abstract
This research paper aims to analyze the controversies surrounding The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, The Bluest Eye, by Toni Morrison, and The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky, three commonly challenged books that are often found in high school English classes, in order to answer the question “what themes in these books are challengers trying to silence, and what would be lost without them?”. It will be broken into four sections, Alienation, Mental Health Struggles & Trauma, The Loss of Innocence, and Exploring Identity, which are common themes presented in all three books. After discussing how each book conveys these themes, the recurring arguments of challengers will be introduced in order to understand why certain individuals believe these themes should be silenced. Finally, each section will explore what would be lost if students are prevented from certain values carried within these books such as the development of empathy, validation of difficult emotions, discovering ones sense of self, and understanding the diversity of the world. This is essential because denying students access to certain conversations that these books are meant to provoke will suppress opportunities for human beings to discuss the difficult realities that they will inevitably face within their lifetime and impinge upon the intellectual freedom required for human beings to reach their full potential.
Recommended Citation
Martello, Corrine H., "What Common Themes are Challengers Trying to Silence and What Would Be Lost Without Them?" (2026). Richard T. Schellhase Essay Prize in Ethics. 43.
https://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/ethics_essay/43
Included in
English Language and Literature Commons, Ethics and Political Philosophy Commons, First Amendment Commons
Comments
First prize winner (tie).