Out of all of the summer books I read for the blogs, The Catcher and the Rye by J.D. Salinger was by far my favorite and was the one that I thought was best. I thought it had a better storyline than the others, and I thought that is was easier to read and understand than the other two. Holden Caulfield was not a reliable narrator and was not always a good person, but I found him easy to relate to on some levels because there is no one in the world that is perfect. Holden may not always acknowledge it, but he is the perfect example of regular, totally normal imperfection. Holden tries to do the right thing but sometimes ends up being completely wrong, and I understand that and think a lot of people would be able to relate to that aspect of Holden's character.
My least favorite summer reading book was The Old Man and the Sea by Ernest Hemingway. I found the author's writing extremely boring and nearly impossible to get through, and while I did sympathize with the main character, I did not find the book at all interesting or even remotely good. I thought it was a terrible book, not just for the writing, but also for the story that was told. It was very boring even during the high point, and the resolution of the conflict was totally unsatisfying. I also felt like it was harder to understand the situations and the characters because of the way that the dialogue was written and even the way the rest of the novel was written.
I did not think The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck was bad, but it was not a story that particularly interested me. I thought the writing was good and a lot of the characters were easy to understand to relate to, but I did not really enjoy the storyline. I like history, but the time period was not one that interested me, and as a result it was harder for me to get through the novel and understand everything that was going on in the story and with all of the characters.
Showing posts with label The Catcher In The Rye. Show all posts
Showing posts with label The Catcher In The Rye. Show all posts
Sunday, August 22, 2010
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Writing Style
The unique writing style that is found in the novel The Catcher in the Rye cannot really be called traditional. The author, J.D. Salinger, uses Holden as the narrator, and so it is Holden narrating his own story. The writing style of the entire novel is the same as the style that he uses in his own every day speech- Holden talks directly to the reader, saying things like "you would have like him" instead of using a more proper writing format. Holden also swears and using slang words that are not traditionally used, but the different writing style is very appealing and makes parts of the story a lot easier to relate to or understand. Also, Holden uses italics to place emphasis on certain words, which allows the reader to understand the way that Holden is talking about something.
Instead of using this kind of writing in just the dialogue, J.D. Salinger uses it in the narration as well, through the storytelling of Holden Caulfield. At the time, and even now, this style of writing is not often seen. However, while this is unusual, it is often important to the novel. The writing is unique and a little different, just like Holden. It may not fit in just right, but that is exactly the way Holden is too. I think that the way the writing style ties in with the personality of the main character is one of the things that makes The Catcher in the Rye a classic that isn't completely awful to read.
The writing style is also a good way to understand some of the vernacular of the story, especially because it was written decades ago, before any of its readers were even born. Because the novel is written in first person narration, Holden is also providing his own running commentary to the events and people in that he encounters in the novel, making them seem more vivid and descriptive.
Instead of using this kind of writing in just the dialogue, J.D. Salinger uses it in the narration as well, through the storytelling of Holden Caulfield. At the time, and even now, this style of writing is not often seen. However, while this is unusual, it is often important to the novel. The writing is unique and a little different, just like Holden. It may not fit in just right, but that is exactly the way Holden is too. I think that the way the writing style ties in with the personality of the main character is one of the things that makes The Catcher in the Rye a classic that isn't completely awful to read.
The writing style is also a good way to understand some of the vernacular of the story, especially because it was written decades ago, before any of its readers were even born. Because the novel is written in first person narration, Holden is also providing his own running commentary to the events and people in that he encounters in the novel, making them seem more vivid and descriptive.
Key Issues 2
Another key issue with Holden Caulfield's character in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is his hypocrisy. Throughout the entirety of the novel Holden is accusing other people, even strangers, as being fake and phony and impossible to trust. However, by the end of the story it is very clear that Holden is the biggest phony of all. For one, he despises people who value their material things, but he himself takes great pride in the possessions he has, like his red hunting cap that makes him feel unique and special.
Even though Holden is not a good liar, and admits it himself, he does lie several times throughout the novel, seemingly without any kind of serious thought beforehand, hesitation, or actual guilt. Holden is doing what he thinks is right and good and acceptable, even though this is not always the case. Holden never tells the truth to people who ask, and the reader can't even be sure if he is lying through his narration as well. While Holden's story is not far-fetched and unbelievable, Holden gains a reputation with the reader for always putting a little extra spin onto the end of the stories he tells.
Another big issue is Holden's resentment towards his parents. Holden holds a big grudge against them for sending him to an out of state private school, even if they thought they were doing it for his own good and for theirs. Despite that the fact that they do care about their son, Holden believes that they feel he is useless, and that is why he thinks they send him away. And even after being expelled from his school, Holden refuses to face his parents until the very end of the novel. I think that both parties have some sorting out to do, but Holden needs to believe that his parents aren't completely phonies and that they love him and will do what they believe is best for their son.
Even though Holden is not a good liar, and admits it himself, he does lie several times throughout the novel, seemingly without any kind of serious thought beforehand, hesitation, or actual guilt. Holden is doing what he thinks is right and good and acceptable, even though this is not always the case. Holden never tells the truth to people who ask, and the reader can't even be sure if he is lying through his narration as well. While Holden's story is not far-fetched and unbelievable, Holden gains a reputation with the reader for always putting a little extra spin onto the end of the stories he tells.
Another big issue is Holden's resentment towards his parents. Holden holds a big grudge against them for sending him to an out of state private school, even if they thought they were doing it for his own good and for theirs. Despite that the fact that they do care about their son, Holden believes that they feel he is useless, and that is why he thinks they send him away. And even after being expelled from his school, Holden refuses to face his parents until the very end of the novel. I think that both parties have some sorting out to do, but Holden needs to believe that his parents aren't completely phonies and that they love him and will do what they believe is best for their son.
Key Issues 1
Holden Caulfield is a very complicated, usually hard to understand, and always troubled character in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. In the very beginning of the novel, when Holden begins his narration of his experiences, the reader is slightly swayed by Holden's opinions, thoughts, and words. And because their is no counter-narrator introduced until later in the novel, the reader tends to believe the things that Holden is saying, or at least slightly understand why he thinks that in that certain way. But Holden is an extremely unreliable narrator because of the way his mind works, and also because of some of the issues he has had in his relatively short life.
One major issue introduced in the novel is Holden's mental breakdown. In the novel, Holden is just recovering from a nervous breakdown, and this is obvious in some of his behaviors. Holden tries to save children from having to grow up and lose the innocence and simplicity that comes along with childhood, but when he realizes this is impossible it is almost like he loses all will to live. Holden's biggest idea in life is that childhood is everything good in the world. He thinks that children are the only truly good people, and he wants to protect them from the lies and phoniness that he is convinced comes along with becoming an adult. Because of his realization that his ideas are impossible, Holden cannot deal with reality and loses it, practically becoming insane.
Another issue in Holden's life is dealing with other people around him. Most kinds of social interactions are very hard for Holden to handle, and he has a bad habit of judging people before he even gets to know them. Since he thinks all adults are phony and corrupt, he has a very hard time with opening himself up to people and trusting them. Holden is a very insecure character, and he is very noticeably immature as well.
One major issue introduced in the novel is Holden's mental breakdown. In the novel, Holden is just recovering from a nervous breakdown, and this is obvious in some of his behaviors. Holden tries to save children from having to grow up and lose the innocence and simplicity that comes along with childhood, but when he realizes this is impossible it is almost like he loses all will to live. Holden's biggest idea in life is that childhood is everything good in the world. He thinks that children are the only truly good people, and he wants to protect them from the lies and phoniness that he is convinced comes along with becoming an adult. Because of his realization that his ideas are impossible, Holden cannot deal with reality and loses it, practically becoming insane.
Another issue in Holden's life is dealing with other people around him. Most kinds of social interactions are very hard for Holden to handle, and he has a bad habit of judging people before he even gets to know them. Since he thinks all adults are phony and corrupt, he has a very hard time with opening himself up to people and trusting them. Holden is a very insecure character, and he is very noticeably immature as well.
Setting
The setting of a literary work is the general location, historical time, and social circumstances in which the fictional or dramatic takes place. The setting is usually established through some kind of description, either through one of the characters or through the narrator.
In The Catcher in the Rye, the time of the setting remains mostly the same- it takes place during a long weekend in the late 1940's or early 1950's. But location wise, the setting changes several times. Holden begins to tell his story in Pennsylvania, which is the location of his former school, Pencey Prep. Then, Holden begins to recount his adventures during his long weekend in New York City. The author did a good job describing the various places that Holden visited during his short stay in the city, making it a lot easier to distinguish between the different places throughout the story.
In his relatively short visit, Holden visits apartments and bars and even the zoo. Descriptions written by the author, J.D. Salinger, are told through Holden's slightly limited but nonetheless perceptive point of view. Despite the many places Holden wanders through, there are three main settings. The first of the three is Pencey Prep, the previously mentioned school that Holden had just been expelled from in the beginning of the novel. The second is Holden's older brother D.B.'s room, where Holden stayed after sneaking into his own house for a place to sleep. The final important setting is at the zoo, where Holden takes Phoebe to ride the carousel.
Although Holden might not have spent a lot of time in these three different places, they all hold a sort of significance. Pencey Prep was an extremely important setting because if Holden had not been expelled, the entire story could not have taken place. The events at Pencey Prep is what started the novel off. D.B.'s room in Holden's parents house is also an important setting, because it displays how childish Holden is and how he didn't want his parents to know that he had been expelled and that he had snuck home for the weekend.
The setting at the zoo, however, is probably the most important. When Holden takes Phoebe to the carousel and watches her ride, he feels happier than he has in a very long time. Seeing Phoebe's childhood and innocence and simplicity reminds Holden of all that he belives is good in life.
In The Catcher in the Rye, the time of the setting remains mostly the same- it takes place during a long weekend in the late 1940's or early 1950's. But location wise, the setting changes several times. Holden begins to tell his story in Pennsylvania, which is the location of his former school, Pencey Prep. Then, Holden begins to recount his adventures during his long weekend in New York City. The author did a good job describing the various places that Holden visited during his short stay in the city, making it a lot easier to distinguish between the different places throughout the story.
In his relatively short visit, Holden visits apartments and bars and even the zoo. Descriptions written by the author, J.D. Salinger, are told through Holden's slightly limited but nonetheless perceptive point of view. Despite the many places Holden wanders through, there are three main settings. The first of the three is Pencey Prep, the previously mentioned school that Holden had just been expelled from in the beginning of the novel. The second is Holden's older brother D.B.'s room, where Holden stayed after sneaking into his own house for a place to sleep. The final important setting is at the zoo, where Holden takes Phoebe to ride the carousel.
Although Holden might not have spent a lot of time in these three different places, they all hold a sort of significance. Pencey Prep was an extremely important setting because if Holden had not been expelled, the entire story could not have taken place. The events at Pencey Prep is what started the novel off. D.B.'s room in Holden's parents house is also an important setting, because it displays how childish Holden is and how he didn't want his parents to know that he had been expelled and that he had snuck home for the weekend.
The setting at the zoo, however, is probably the most important. When Holden takes Phoebe to the carousel and watches her ride, he feels happier than he has in a very long time. Seeing Phoebe's childhood and innocence and simplicity reminds Holden of all that he belives is good in life.
Monday, August 16, 2010
Motifs
Motifs are recurring contrasts, structures, and literary devices that are used in writing to help develop about major themes. In The Catcher in the Rye, motifs that are used are relationships, loneliness, and lying. These are used to highlight the themes of alienation, growing up, and phoniness.
Relating to the larger theme of alienation, motifs dealing with relationships and sexuality are referred to in the novel. Holden Caulfield, the main character, tries to have physical and emotional connections with people to try and break out of his shell, but ultimately fails because he does not know how to go about things like that. Sexuality is something that Holden can not ignore, and he goes looking for intimacy. However, this means that Holden with have to interact and socialize with people his own age, which is something that he would usually prefer not to do because of his distrust towards adults.
Much like relationships, loneliness is a motif used in the novel that ties back to the main theme of alienation. Holden tries to connect with people some of the time, but the rest of the time he keeps to himself and shies away from others. In his quest for companionship, Holden tries to make one meaningless connection to the next, without ever really being able to connect with the other person in the relationship. At the same time, Holden uses isolation and loneliness as a form of protection. So Holden is caught between two extremes- wanting a intimate connection, and wanting to protect himself from others by remained detached. Because of his, Holden often sabotages his own attempts that connecting with other people, sometimes without even meaning to.
The motifs of lying and deception lead to the understanding of the theme of phoniness in the novel. Holden seems to reserve the most judgement and scorn for people that he believes are fake. Despite this, Holden refuses to see his own shortcomings, which make him just as 'fake' and 'phony' as the people he unfairly judges.
Relating to the larger theme of alienation, motifs dealing with relationships and sexuality are referred to in the novel. Holden Caulfield, the main character, tries to have physical and emotional connections with people to try and break out of his shell, but ultimately fails because he does not know how to go about things like that. Sexuality is something that Holden can not ignore, and he goes looking for intimacy. However, this means that Holden with have to interact and socialize with people his own age, which is something that he would usually prefer not to do because of his distrust towards adults.
Much like relationships, loneliness is a motif used in the novel that ties back to the main theme of alienation. Holden tries to connect with people some of the time, but the rest of the time he keeps to himself and shies away from others. In his quest for companionship, Holden tries to make one meaningless connection to the next, without ever really being able to connect with the other person in the relationship. At the same time, Holden uses isolation and loneliness as a form of protection. So Holden is caught between two extremes- wanting a intimate connection, and wanting to protect himself from others by remained detached. Because of his, Holden often sabotages his own attempts that connecting with other people, sometimes without even meaning to.
The motifs of lying and deception lead to the understanding of the theme of phoniness in the novel. Holden seems to reserve the most judgement and scorn for people that he believes are fake. Despite this, Holden refuses to see his own shortcomings, which make him just as 'fake' and 'phony' as the people he unfairly judges.
Tone
The tone of the novel The Catcher in the Rye is set by the main character, Holden Caulfield's, outlook on life and on other people. Holden views the world with ugly eyes, seeing bitterness, cynicism, and disgust. Because of this, the novel carries these tones as well, but delivered by the author in a colloquial style that is a little easier to understand and relate to. Along with the slightly unappealing tones of the novel, there is also a nostalgic longing that Holden experiences and often speaks of and thinks about.
Holden seems to have always struggled to live normally, so in some aspects he has given that up all together. Instead of trying mesh with society like many people do, Holden instead becomes a critic, judging people and finding all the errors he can. In a way, this is a reassurance to Holden. He already tends to think as adults as bad and fake people, so his warped perception and judging of people is just more support to his beliefs. The novel is also cynical, just like Holden. "Cynic" is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "a person who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions and who disbelieves in selfless acts". Holden firmly believes that adults have ulterior motives and that their phoniness is the worst possible quality in the world. However, Holden somehow fails to realize that not everyone has an ulterior motive, and that not every adult is fake.
Because of his inability to interact with others (namely adults), Holden has become bitter. This is one of the reasons he despises the idea of adulthood so much, and why he looks down on so many people when he himself is flawed. On some level, Holden knows that he is extremely different than other people, and not necessarily in a good way. He may not want to acknowledge this, but it is always going to be there, and is always going to be true.
Holden seems to have always struggled to live normally, so in some aspects he has given that up all together. Instead of trying mesh with society like many people do, Holden instead becomes a critic, judging people and finding all the errors he can. In a way, this is a reassurance to Holden. He already tends to think as adults as bad and fake people, so his warped perception and judging of people is just more support to his beliefs. The novel is also cynical, just like Holden. "Cynic" is defined by Merriam-Webster Dictionary as "a person who believes that only selfishness motivates human actions and who disbelieves in selfless acts". Holden firmly believes that adults have ulterior motives and that their phoniness is the worst possible quality in the world. However, Holden somehow fails to realize that not everyone has an ulterior motive, and that not every adult is fake.
Because of his inability to interact with others (namely adults), Holden has become bitter. This is one of the reasons he despises the idea of adulthood so much, and why he looks down on so many people when he himself is flawed. On some level, Holden knows that he is extremely different than other people, and not necessarily in a good way. He may not want to acknowledge this, but it is always going to be there, and is always going to be true.
Conflict (Man vs. Society)
The second of the two main conflicts in The Catcher in the Rye is an external conflict between the troubled protagonist of the novel, Holden Caulfield, and all of (adult) society. Holden's conflict with others is created and influenced through his internal conflict- because he cannot cope with himself, he is also unable to cope with and understand other members of society.
Holden is unable to relate to the other characters in the novel, with the exception of his younger sister, Phoebe. Holden is still trying to connect with his childhood, but at the same time he tries to fit in with certain parts of the adult world, like when he goes to a bar and tries to proposition women. His belief that adults are phonies (which actually causes some of the conflict within his own mind) is one reason that he is unable to relate to adults- he doesn't want to become fake and phony, like he thinks all adults are. Holden continues to be unable to communicate properly with others throughout the novel, and that is his main reason for isolation.
Another reason for Holden's conflict with others is that he judges people too much. His knee-jerk reaction is to try and read people, but he usually does not have the correct perception. Most of the time, he prematurely labels others as being fake or shallow or phony without really interacting with the person on a more personal level. Holden's unrealistically high standards makes it impossible for other people to measure up, and even Holden does not meet his own standards for people. Holden's conflict with others is a big problem, and because of it he is unable to really have an adult life. He isolates himself and is unable to have friends or enemies or people to confide in, other than his little sister. Holden does not get to live a normal life because of the issues he has with himself and with others.
Holden is unable to relate to the other characters in the novel, with the exception of his younger sister, Phoebe. Holden is still trying to connect with his childhood, but at the same time he tries to fit in with certain parts of the adult world, like when he goes to a bar and tries to proposition women. His belief that adults are phonies (which actually causes some of the conflict within his own mind) is one reason that he is unable to relate to adults- he doesn't want to become fake and phony, like he thinks all adults are. Holden continues to be unable to communicate properly with others throughout the novel, and that is his main reason for isolation.
Another reason for Holden's conflict with others is that he judges people too much. His knee-jerk reaction is to try and read people, but he usually does not have the correct perception. Most of the time, he prematurely labels others as being fake or shallow or phony without really interacting with the person on a more personal level. Holden's unrealistically high standards makes it impossible for other people to measure up, and even Holden does not meet his own standards for people. Holden's conflict with others is a big problem, and because of it he is unable to really have an adult life. He isolates himself and is unable to have friends or enemies or people to confide in, other than his little sister. Holden does not get to live a normal life because of the issues he has with himself and with others.
Conflict (Man vs. Self)
One of the two main conflicts in The Catcher in the Rye is an internal conflict, between the main character Holden Caulfield and his own self. The issue is within Holden's psyche- part of him wants to try and connect with other people on a mature, adult level, but the other part of Holden's character wants to reject all things having to do with adulthood and phoniness all together.
The childlike part of Holden wants to simply retreat into memories of childhood, leaving behind maturity and responsibility. Holden has an irrational fear of growing up, so a big part of his character wants to regress into the innocence and simplicity of the childhood he should have left behind a long time ago. This part of Holden also led him to his times of seclusion, when he shuts himself off completely and wants nothing to do with other people, especially adults.
However, the more grown up and mature part of Holden does seek out to make connections with other people. But the main reason that Holden wishes to connect with others is so that he can have the possibility of sexual encounters. This is the part of adulthood that Holden cannot ignore, and the one that appeals to him the most. But Holden still has a difficult time dealing with everyday life, mostly because he continues to think that all the adults around him are lying phonies. This is the biggest reason for his mental distress- his own mind is working against himself and causing his introversion towards adults.
As the novel progresses, Holden's thoughts almost seem to be working against himself, and it gets to a point where he can no longer truly cope with the reality of his life. Holden slowly because less capable of functioning within society because of his constant thoughts of his childhood. He is not at all comfortable with his present life, and continues to yearn to return to the childhood he once had. Holden ultimately becomes a prisoner of his own mind, and is unable to cope with his transition into adulthood and life in general.
The childlike part of Holden wants to simply retreat into memories of childhood, leaving behind maturity and responsibility. Holden has an irrational fear of growing up, so a big part of his character wants to regress into the innocence and simplicity of the childhood he should have left behind a long time ago. This part of Holden also led him to his times of seclusion, when he shuts himself off completely and wants nothing to do with other people, especially adults.
However, the more grown up and mature part of Holden does seek out to make connections with other people. But the main reason that Holden wishes to connect with others is so that he can have the possibility of sexual encounters. This is the part of adulthood that Holden cannot ignore, and the one that appeals to him the most. But Holden still has a difficult time dealing with everyday life, mostly because he continues to think that all the adults around him are lying phonies. This is the biggest reason for his mental distress- his own mind is working against himself and causing his introversion towards adults.
As the novel progresses, Holden's thoughts almost seem to be working against himself, and it gets to a point where he can no longer truly cope with the reality of his life. Holden slowly because less capable of functioning within society because of his constant thoughts of his childhood. He is not at all comfortable with his present life, and continues to yearn to return to the childhood he once had. Holden ultimately becomes a prisoner of his own mind, and is unable to cope with his transition into adulthood and life in general.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Irony
The novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is filled with moments and examples of irony. One major example of this is Holden Caulfield's behavior and attitude towards the people that he refers to as 'phonies'. He starts to characterize pretty much everyone, especially adults, as being a phony however, and in chapter two Holden says: "One of the biggest reasons I left Elkton Hills was because I was surrounded by phonies". One reason that adulthood troubles Holden so much is that he thinks becoming an adult will also cause him to become phony, because he has somehow become convinced that adults must be phony, like is it mandatory that you must be a fake to be an mature adult. However, as the novel progresses, Holden ironically begins to seem phony as well. He deceives people and lies to people to conceal his identity, which makes him just as fake as what he thinks adults are. Holden even admits that he is not a good liar, which just makes his own phoniness more obvious to others and makes him a character that can be easily disliked and hard to sympathize.
Another example of irony in the novel is found in Holden's religious outlook. He says that he absolutely despises religion and people who act of disciples of God, but then Holden seems to completely go back on his previous opinions, saying that he admires Jesus. A big part of the irony in the novel is Holden being a total and complete hypocrite. It's almost like he is unable of sticking to one idea or belief, and switches these around to what he thinks is right at the moment.
As the novel moves forward and Holden continues to try and define himself, Holden begins to think of himself as the only truly genuine person left in the entire world, even though he is eventually revealed to be just as fake and superficial as everybody else is. Holden tries to make himself seem different, but by doing this, he simply alienates himself and pushes himself further away from society.
Another example of irony in the novel is found in Holden's religious outlook. He says that he absolutely despises religion and people who act of disciples of God, but then Holden seems to completely go back on his previous opinions, saying that he admires Jesus. A big part of the irony in the novel is Holden being a total and complete hypocrite. It's almost like he is unable of sticking to one idea or belief, and switches these around to what he thinks is right at the moment.
As the novel moves forward and Holden continues to try and define himself, Holden begins to think of himself as the only truly genuine person left in the entire world, even though he is eventually revealed to be just as fake and superficial as everybody else is. Holden tries to make himself seem different, but by doing this, he simply alienates himself and pushes himself further away from society.
Analysis of Phoebe Caulfield
Phoebe Caulfield is the younger sister of Holden Caulfield, the protagonist and narrator of The Catcher in the Rye. In the beginning of the novel, Holden implies that he is basically the only good, noble person in a world of superficial and phony adults. His opinion is the only one given, so there is nothing to compare this to. But then when Phoebe's character is introduced, the reader has a different opinion to take into account.
However, having Phoebe's narration in the novel starts to slightly complicates things, and it soon becomes obvious that she is angered and even confused by the ideas that Holden has come up with and supports. Despite the fact that Phoebe is about six years younger than her brother, she completely understands that growing up is inevitable, and that eventually everyone is going to have to mature and take on responsibility if they want to be adults who can function in society and have a real life. Phoebe is angry with Holden's outlook on life, and wants him to understand what she does. Because she loves her older brother, Phoebe does try to understand him and wants him to be happy.
Next to the delusions of Holden's minds, Phoebe seems incredibly mature, both emotionally and mentally. Holden starts to look more and more foolish, and the reader starts to trust Phoebe more than Holden, because she is so much more stable. It is easier to trust her judgement, especially when it comes to her brother. Because of this, Holden starts looking worse and becomes much harder to trust after hearing Phoebe's side of the story and view of things.
A big part of Phoebe's role in the novel is helping Holden to see how much he oversimplifies things. For instance, it is Phoebe that makes Holden's picture of childhood- his idea of being the catcher in the rye while children play in the field- an oversimplified, childish fantasy. And this is her role in the novel...to reveal her brother for the childish hypocrite that he really is.
However, having Phoebe's narration in the novel starts to slightly complicates things, and it soon becomes obvious that she is angered and even confused by the ideas that Holden has come up with and supports. Despite the fact that Phoebe is about six years younger than her brother, she completely understands that growing up is inevitable, and that eventually everyone is going to have to mature and take on responsibility if they want to be adults who can function in society and have a real life. Phoebe is angry with Holden's outlook on life, and wants him to understand what she does. Because she loves her older brother, Phoebe does try to understand him and wants him to be happy.
Next to the delusions of Holden's minds, Phoebe seems incredibly mature, both emotionally and mentally. Holden starts to look more and more foolish, and the reader starts to trust Phoebe more than Holden, because she is so much more stable. It is easier to trust her judgement, especially when it comes to her brother. Because of this, Holden starts looking worse and becomes much harder to trust after hearing Phoebe's side of the story and view of things.
A big part of Phoebe's role in the novel is helping Holden to see how much he oversimplifies things. For instance, it is Phoebe that makes Holden's picture of childhood- his idea of being the catcher in the rye while children play in the field- an oversimplified, childish fantasy. And this is her role in the novel...to reveal her brother for the childish hypocrite that he really is.
Quotes
There are several quotes in The Catcher in the Rye that help to set the theme of the novel. One, for instance, was from the character of Holden Caulfield, who is the narrator:
"Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around- nobody big, I mean- except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff- I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all." - J.D. Salinger, page 173
This quote, which also gives the novel its title and is probably the most famous quote from the book, reveals Holden's fantasy of idealistic and innocent childhood and a role of protector for himself. This quote also proves more of Holden's disillusions about childhood and adulthood. He sees adulthood and responsibility and maturity as a threat, and thinks that childhood and innocence is everything that is good in life. Holden very much prefers this fantasy to true life, and when he realizes that this idea may be a little 'crazy' he still has trouble seeing the world in any other way, and can come up with no other pragmatic ideas.
"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all the David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth." (Holden Caulfield) -J.D. Salinger, page 1
In this quote, Holden immediately reveals how little tolerance he actually has. Later on, he is revealed to be very much a hypocrite. He builds nearly impossible standards for people, even when they are standards that he himself cannot live up to.
"Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around- nobody big, I mean- except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff- I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all." - J.D. Salinger, page 173
This quote, which also gives the novel its title and is probably the most famous quote from the book, reveals Holden's fantasy of idealistic and innocent childhood and a role of protector for himself. This quote also proves more of Holden's disillusions about childhood and adulthood. He sees adulthood and responsibility and maturity as a threat, and thinks that childhood and innocence is everything that is good in life. Holden very much prefers this fantasy to true life, and when he realizes that this idea may be a little 'crazy' he still has trouble seeing the world in any other way, and can come up with no other pragmatic ideas.
"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all the David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth." (Holden Caulfield) -J.D. Salinger, page 1
In this quote, Holden immediately reveals how little tolerance he actually has. Later on, he is revealed to be very much a hypocrite. He builds nearly impossible standards for people, even when they are standards that he himself cannot live up to.
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Symbols in The Catcher in the Rye
One of the most important symbols found in The Catcher in the Rye is the actual catcher in the rye. It is the source of the books title, and makes its first appearance towards the middle of the novel. Holden is singing the Robert Burns song 'Comin' Thro' the Rye' and is walking in the street instead of on the sidewalk. A kid walking by admires Holden for this, because he is quirky and being an individual. The symbol appears again several chapters later when Phoebe asks Holden what he would like to do with the rest of his life. Holden responds with what he believes the song is about, saying that he pictures a rye field on top of a big cliff with children playing in it, and that he wants to keep the children from falling over the cliff and dying, because he thinks the lyric is 'if a body catch a body comin' through the rye' when the real lyric reads 'if a body meet a body, comin' through a rye'. Despite his misinterpretation, this is a symbol that Holden really does want to help people, and that he has compassion although he does not often show it. It is also a symbol of how Holden does not understand a lot of the world around him.
One other symbol found in the book is Holden's distinct red hunting cap. The unique cap represents Holden himself- it is one of a kind and individual, just like he is. Holden wishes to be different from all of the people around him, and is quirky hat is one way of expressing that wish and making it come true. But the hat is also a source of discomfort of Holden. He does wear it when he knows he will come across people he knows, and always make a point to mention that hat when he is wearing it. This hat is also a symbol for Holden's internal conflict, the need for isolation vs. the need for companionship and interaction with others.
One other symbol found in the book is Holden's distinct red hunting cap. The unique cap represents Holden himself- it is one of a kind and individual, just like he is. Holden wishes to be different from all of the people around him, and is quirky hat is one way of expressing that wish and making it come true. But the hat is also a source of discomfort of Holden. He does wear it when he knows he will come across people he knows, and always make a point to mention that hat when he is wearing it. This hat is also a symbol for Holden's internal conflict, the need for isolation vs. the need for companionship and interaction with others.
Thursday, July 15, 2010
Main Themes
There are many themes in the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and they all vary from each other. Throughout the novel the main character, Holden Caulfield, goes through many different situations, and the themes from these situations are carried on throughout the rest of the story to feed the conflicts and altercations.
One of the themes in the novel is alienation. Holden seems isolated from the rest of the world, and he tells Mr. Spencer that he feels 'trapped on the other side' and that he is trying to find his place in a world where he just does not belong. Later on in the novel, it seems that Holden alienates himself so that he can protect himself. Other people seem to not understand anything about Holden, so they treat him differently. And because of this, Holden tries to isolate himself and avoid any confrontation or unwanted interactions. This kind of separation causes Holden pain at times, but while his isolation often seems like a bad thing, but really it is a form of stability for Holden. It becomes familiar and comforting, and eventually it becomes his way of life.
Another theme in the novel is the very idea of growing up. The Catcher and the Rye is a coming of age novel, but Holden is trying to avoid maturing and growing up. He believes that adulthood is an awful fate, and that adults are phony and fake. Because of this, Holden continues to try and cling to his childhood, which is one of the reasons he wants to run away. However, instead of admitting that the very idea of adulthood scares him, Holden just keeps trying to ignore it and run away from the idea of growing up, which is really unavoidable. Tying in with this theme is the idea of phoniness. Along with being afraid of growing up, Holden thinks that adults are entirely phony, and he wants to avoid that at all costs. Towards the end of the novel it becomes clear that Holden's ideas and perceptions are all extremely shallow, and that he is not a very reliable narrator because of this.
One of the themes in the novel is alienation. Holden seems isolated from the rest of the world, and he tells Mr. Spencer that he feels 'trapped on the other side' and that he is trying to find his place in a world where he just does not belong. Later on in the novel, it seems that Holden alienates himself so that he can protect himself. Other people seem to not understand anything about Holden, so they treat him differently. And because of this, Holden tries to isolate himself and avoid any confrontation or unwanted interactions. This kind of separation causes Holden pain at times, but while his isolation often seems like a bad thing, but really it is a form of stability for Holden. It becomes familiar and comforting, and eventually it becomes his way of life.
Another theme in the novel is the very idea of growing up. The Catcher and the Rye is a coming of age novel, but Holden is trying to avoid maturing and growing up. He believes that adulthood is an awful fate, and that adults are phony and fake. Because of this, Holden continues to try and cling to his childhood, which is one of the reasons he wants to run away. However, instead of admitting that the very idea of adulthood scares him, Holden just keeps trying to ignore it and run away from the idea of growing up, which is really unavoidable. Tying in with this theme is the idea of phoniness. Along with being afraid of growing up, Holden thinks that adults are entirely phony, and he wants to avoid that at all costs. Towards the end of the novel it becomes clear that Holden's ideas and perceptions are all extremely shallow, and that he is not a very reliable narrator because of this.
Wednesday, July 14, 2010
Analysis of Holden Caulfield
Holden Caulfield is the narrator and protagonist of the novel The Catcher in the Rye. Holden is troubled and a somewhat unreliable narrator, because although he can read other people very well, he often does not fully understand certain elements of others, whether it be their personalities, feelings, motives, or their entire character. Holden himself is an extremely judgmental character, setting nearly impossible standards that not even he can live up to. Holden ridicules the insecurities that people have, and says that they are boring and superficial. He sees adults in particular as truly bad people, and is convinced that nearly all adults are complete 'phonies'- fake and impossible for anyone to trust.
In Holden's opinion, adults are everything wrong with the world; symbolizing phoniness and distrust. While he sees the worst in adults, his opinion of children is completely the opposite. Holden views children and youth in general as symbols of pureness and innocence, and desperately wants to inhabit a world where he can forever have the simple life of a child. However, Holden does start to grow up, no matter how hard he tries to fight it off.
However unsettling Holden's outlook on life may be, there must have been factors in his life that influenced this. There are obvious signs that Holden is a troubled person- he fails out of several schools, he does not care about his future, and he is unable to connect with other people. There were two serious traumatizing events in Holden's past, the death of his brother Allie and the suicide of one of his classmates. While Holden tries to isolate himself away from contact, he is trying to protect himself. But really, he is only hurting himself more by pulling away and refusing to really try and connect with the other people that are present in his life.
It is obvious throughout the novel that Holden wants nothing more than to hold on to his childhood- which will eventually be his downfall in life. He dreads growing up, thinking that he too will become a phony, and because of this, he tries to regress. This ultimately leads to Holden's stay in a mental institution.
In Holden's opinion, adults are everything wrong with the world; symbolizing phoniness and distrust. While he sees the worst in adults, his opinion of children is completely the opposite. Holden views children and youth in general as symbols of pureness and innocence, and desperately wants to inhabit a world where he can forever have the simple life of a child. However, Holden does start to grow up, no matter how hard he tries to fight it off.
However unsettling Holden's outlook on life may be, there must have been factors in his life that influenced this. There are obvious signs that Holden is a troubled person- he fails out of several schools, he does not care about his future, and he is unable to connect with other people. There were two serious traumatizing events in Holden's past, the death of his brother Allie and the suicide of one of his classmates. While Holden tries to isolate himself away from contact, he is trying to protect himself. But really, he is only hurting himself more by pulling away and refusing to really try and connect with the other people that are present in his life.
It is obvious throughout the novel that Holden wants nothing more than to hold on to his childhood- which will eventually be his downfall in life. He dreads growing up, thinking that he too will become a phony, and because of this, he tries to regress. This ultimately leads to Holden's stay in a mental institution.
Catcher in the Rye Summary
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger takes place in the 1950's, and is narrated by the main character and protagonist, Holden Caulfield. The novel is about coming to terms with the past, and is told when Holden is in a psychiatric institute and looking back on his experiences. Throughout the story Holden focuses on things that he does not fully understand, such as adult life. He views growing up and maturing as a horrible fate, and does everything he can to avoid it.
As Holden inevitably does start to grow up, he becomes extremely unhappy with himself and his life in general, and also starts to become more and more desperate as time goes on. Holden tells of his experiences being expelled from three schools, the latest of them a school called Pencey Prep, and of what he did after leaving the school. Holden snuck away a few days before the Christmas Break, and stays at a cheap hotel. While residing there, Holden goes to clubs and interacts with people, but fails to really connect with them. Later on, he tries to reconnect with his old girlfriend, but when he suggests they run away together, she angrily leaves and Holden starts to feel depressed. During this time he tries to communicate with his brother Allie, who is deceased. Holden then realizes the only person he can really connect with is his sister Phoebe, so he sneaks into their parents home and tells Phoebe about his dream of 'the Catcher and the Rye', and how he wants to run away.
Holden leaves again, and encounters a former teacher of his. After the teacher, Mr. Antolini, startles Holden, he departs and runs off again. After spending a night in the train station and running around the town, Holden meets back up with his sister Phoebe, who tells him that they should both run away. Holden then see himself in his sister, and finally changes his mind about running away. He goes back to his parents, and the reader can assume that he is then sent to a mental hospital at the end of the book.
As Holden inevitably does start to grow up, he becomes extremely unhappy with himself and his life in general, and also starts to become more and more desperate as time goes on. Holden tells of his experiences being expelled from three schools, the latest of them a school called Pencey Prep, and of what he did after leaving the school. Holden snuck away a few days before the Christmas Break, and stays at a cheap hotel. While residing there, Holden goes to clubs and interacts with people, but fails to really connect with them. Later on, he tries to reconnect with his old girlfriend, but when he suggests they run away together, she angrily leaves and Holden starts to feel depressed. During this time he tries to communicate with his brother Allie, who is deceased. Holden then realizes the only person he can really connect with is his sister Phoebe, so he sneaks into their parents home and tells Phoebe about his dream of 'the Catcher and the Rye', and how he wants to run away.
Holden leaves again, and encounters a former teacher of his. After the teacher, Mr. Antolini, startles Holden, he departs and runs off again. After spending a night in the train station and running around the town, Holden meets back up with his sister Phoebe, who tells him that they should both run away. Holden then see himself in his sister, and finally changes his mind about running away. He goes back to his parents, and the reader can assume that he is then sent to a mental hospital at the end of the book.
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