catcher in the rye essay hook

86 Catcher in the Rye Essay Topics & Ideas

🏆 best essay topics for catcher in the rye, 🎓 interesting catcher in the rye essay titles, 📌 good essay prompts for catcher in the rye, ❓ catcher in the rye essay questions.

• Hypocrisy in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger Stradlater reveals to Holden that he has a date waiting and that he needs to shave. Stradley asks Holden to write an essay for him and informs him that the former is taking a girl […]
• Alcohol, Violence, and Sex Content in Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” For example, The Catcher in the Rye is a book that appeals to the majority of adults while the representatives of the younger generation often turn out to be not able to come to the […]
• The Idea of Love in The Great Gatsby and the Parallels or Contrasts That Can Be Drawn With the Presentation of Love in The Catcher in the Rye Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby and Jerome Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, it is possible to state that the notion of love is presented there similarly even though the texts are absolutely different and […]
• In What Way Is The Catcher in the Rye an Iconic Work We, however, do not subscribe to such point of view, because there are good reasons to believe that the actual explanation as to this novel’s iconic status is the fact that in The Catcher in […]
• Holden’s Inability to Comprehend Reality in Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” This indicates Holden’s growth as future situations indicate he is aware of his age and does not perceive issues as a child, returning to school after the escapade.
• The Pain of Maturation in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.Salinger The important literary device used to depict Holden confronting the pressure of the society and the corruption of the adult world is characterization, as the main character calls people he meets “phony” and refers to […]
• “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger The book’s story of escape and a search for happiness despite all the sham and drudgery in this world is the topic of this paper.
• “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger Review Critics admit that Salinger’s depiction of Holden Caulfield symbolizes the dilemma of the idealist in the contemporary world and shows the primary structural framework of a novel.
• J.D. Salinger’s ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ – Themes and Insights This paper aims to summarize the plot of the novel, to discuss the central themes and the main characters, and to provide a personal review of the book.
• Jerome Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye Thus, this paper, starting with the outline of characters and plot, discusses potential interpretations of The Catcher in the Rye and proposes the opinion of the paper’s author.
• J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye The reason is that the face value of the content impairs the ability of the reader to dig deep into the book and unravel some disturbing traits about Holden.
• The Theme of the Loss of Innocence in “The Catcher in the Rye” by Salinger
• The Universal Theme of Growing up and the Colorful Symbolism of “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Use of Defense Mechanisms in J. D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”
• The Use of Isolation and Alienation to Idealize Innocence in Holden’s World in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Search for Company and Failure of Holden in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Effects of Past Experiences in the Mental Health and Relationships of Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye”
• Transition to Adulthood in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Themes of Maturity and Preserving Innocence in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Tragedy of Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Struggles of Holden Caulfied in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• Universal Confusion and Evil in William Golding’s “Lord of the Flies” and J. D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”
• An Analysis of the Sexuality in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Thoughts and Feelings of a Teenager in “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” by Mark Twain and in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• Unreachable Dreams as an Important Theme in Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”
• The Use of Symbols to Demonstrate Holden’s Fear of Maturity and the Adult World in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Use of Rhetorical Choices in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Theme of Protecting Innocence in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• A Theme of Road Rage in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Theme of Individual and Society in “The Grapes of Wrath” by John Steinbeck and “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Role of Dialogue in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Depression of Holden Caulfield Caused by Loneliness in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Theme of Maturity in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• An Analysis of How Men Lose Their Innocence as They Age in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Common Themes of Suffering and Adjustment in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Life Struggles of Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Importance of Companionship in Humanity in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Theme of Falsification in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Themes of Maturation and the Problems a Teenager Goes Through in Maturing in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• An Analysis of Angst in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Innocence of Childhood in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• An Analysis of the Human Condition in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• An Overview of the Complexity of Holden Character in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Meaning of the Red Hunting Hat in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Value of Innocence in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Hatred of Holden Caulfield for Phonies in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• Use of Symbolism in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• Compare and Contrast the Literary Device Used in “Death of a Salesman” and “The Catcher in the Rye”
• A Look at the Psychological Problems of Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• A Moment of Revelation in J. D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”
• A Theme of Stigmatization and Hypocrisy in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Life and Challenges of Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Loneliness of the World in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Visions in Life of Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• The Portrayal of Teenage Angst in the Character of Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger
• How Does Clinical Depression Affect the Main Character of “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• What About Holden’s Relationships With Teachers and Classmates Helps Us to Understand More About His Character in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• How Does Holden Caulfield See Himself as the Catcher in the Rye?
• Why Does Holden From “The Catcher in the Rye” Love the Museum of Natural History?
• Which of Holden’s Efforts Paid Off in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• How Does Holden Caulfield Subconcioulsy Protect the Innocence of Childhood in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Is Holden Honest Enough With Himself in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• How Does Holden Deal With Death in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Is Holden a Sociopath in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• What Does the Novel “The Catcher in the Rye” Tell About Human Nature?
• How Does New York City Represent Holden Caulfield in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Why Does Holden Caulfield Always Lie in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• How Does Holden Deal With Grief in Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Is “The Catcher in the Rye” a Classic Story?
• Can Clinical Depression Be Related to Holden in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• What Are Symbols Meaning and Significance in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• How Does Holden Caulfield Deal With Alcohol, Sex, and Violence in “The Catcher in the Rye” by J. D. Salinger?
• How Does Holden Build Relationships With People in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Does Mr. Antolini in “The Catcher in the Rye” Give Good Advice for Modern Teenagers?
• How Are Themes of Alienation and Loneliness Presented in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Is Holden an Insane Person in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Can Holden Be Considered a Tragic Hero in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• How Is Alcoholism Represented in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Is the Novel “The Catcher in the Rye” Based on One Literary Element?
• Do All of Holden’s Problems in “The Catcher in the Rye” Come From Him Being a Spoiled Child?
• What Does “The Catcher in the Rye” Teach the Reader?
• Can Holden Be Considered as an Anti-Hero in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Can Holden Be Considered a Static or Dynamic Character in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
• Is “The Catcher in the Rye” a Novel About Social Protest?
• What Is the Significance of the Red Hunter’s Hat That Holden Wears in “The Catcher in the Rye”?
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The Catcher in the Rye

J. d. salinger, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Catcher in the Rye: Introduction

The catcher in the rye: plot summary, the catcher in the rye: detailed summary & analysis, the catcher in the rye: themes, the catcher in the rye: quotes, the catcher in the rye: characters, the catcher in the rye: symbols, the catcher in the rye: theme wheel, brief biography of j. d. salinger.

Historical Context of The Catcher in the Rye

Other books related to the catcher in the rye.

• Full Title: The Catcher in the Rye
• When Published: 1951
• Literary Period: Modern American
• Genre: Bildungsroman
• Setting: Agerstown, Pennsylvania and Manhattan, New York in 1950
• Climax: After he wakes up to find Mr. Antolini stroking his forehead, Holden jumps up and hastily leaves Mr. Antolini’s apartment.
• Antagonist: Stradlater, phonies, adulthood, and change

Extra Credit for The Catcher in the Rye

The Censor in the Rye. Many critics dismissed the book as trash due to its healthy helping of four-letter words and sexual situations, and even as recently as 2010, The Catcher in the Rye was banned in school districts in Washington, Ohio, Florida and Michigan.

Film Rights. Although many directors and screenwriters have wanted to adapt The Catcher in the Rye as a film over the years, J.D. Salinger never sold the rights, thus making it impossible for the movie to be made.

The Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye essays are academic essays for citation. These papers were written primarily by students and provide critical analysis of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

The Catcher in the Rye Material

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The Catcher in the Rye Essays

On salinger’s tendency to give emotion a physicality: "for esme" and the catcher in the rye petra zadroga 10th grade, the catcher in the rye.

By the 1950s, classical stylings in literature had been all but abandoned by American writers. Poets and novelists were bent on revolutionizing literature by rejecting traditional stylings and standards. After seemingly every arbitrary limit to...

The Etymology and Symbolism of Characters' Names Sarah Downey

Catcher in the Rye's pallid cover, adorned only with seven multicolored bands in its upper-left corner, is not what one would call eye-catching. Its reverse side lacks criticisms or reviews of any sort; in fact, it is bare of anything except a...

The Maturation of Holden Caulfield and Henry Fleming Sarah Downey

The Catcher in the Rye and The Red Badge of Courage detail the gradual maturation of two immature boys into self-reliant young men. The steady speed at which Salingerís and Craneís language streams enables the reader to see the independent events...

Holden Caulfield's Character Presented in the Novel Nicholas Rosen

The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, is seen throughout the narrative repeatedly asking the simple question, ³Where do ducks go in the winter?² The simplicity of this question reflects upon a predicament for Holden that remains of the...

Holden Caulfield and Daniel Issacson: Much in Common? Molly Burke

Daniel Issacson, the narrator of Doctorow's The Book of Daniel, is perhaps not as beloved and well-known as Holden Caulfield, the voice behind Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. It could be that we can empathize more easily with a misguided...

Falling In Anonymous

In his novel, The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger narrates the psychological and physical tribulations of Holden Caulfield, an overanalyzing, mentally unstable teenage boy, searching for satisfaction in an ever-changing world. In one selection,...

Growing Pains Tiffany Shropshire

Perhaps the strongest theme in The Catcher in the Rye is the main character Holden Caulfield's fascination and even obsession with the ideal of true innocence; a higher innocence from the superficiality and hypocrisy that he views as a plague on...

The Unanswered Question: Holden Caulfield, John Yossarian and the Fate of Innocence Joseph Anthony Anistranski, Jr.

J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye and Joseph Heller’s novel Catch-22 reveal a concern for innocence within each protagonist. Salinger and Heller center their novels on questions relating to innocence: Holden Caulfield’s “where did the...

Comparison of the authors’ presentation of alienation and isolation in ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ and ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ Jack Goldstein

The themes of alienation and isolation in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ and ‘One Flew over the Cuckoo’s Nest’ are highly prominent, as the authors seek to portray the journey of an individual (or indeed group) that exists outside of mainstream society....

A Child's View: Adult Oppression in The Catcher in the Rye and The Member of the Wedding Joe Winter

In novels The Catcher in the Rye and The Member of the Wedding, Salinger and McCullers both invite the reader to experience how the adult world can have an impact on the lives of young people. In particular, the novels describe how their...

Symbols in The Catcher in the Rye Justin Caleb Walters College

Throughout J.D. Salinger’s most famous work of literature, The Catcher in the Rye, the reader is exposed to several facets of symbolism that help give substance and characterization to the protagonist of the story, young Holden Caulfield. It is...

Distance as a Threat to Relationships in The Catcher in the Rye Yili Xiong 10th Grade

Humans are social creatures who build connections with others and thrive as companionship increases; however, relationships are often susceptible to failure. Holden Caulfield, the main character in the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D....

Holden Caulfield, The Sexual Psychopath? Anonymous College

J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is set against the lavender scare and the sexual psychopath laws of the 1950’s. During this time, the United States at large was horrified by the apparent rise in sex crimes in the country. Holden Caulfield,...

The Difference Between Fabula and Sujet According to the Russian Formalists Rochelle Ann Maloney College

Russian Formalism was a school of literary thought which emerged in Russia during the 1910’s. Members of this movement attempted to study literary language and literature according to scientific methods, and Peter Brooks states that they focussed...

The Root of Holden Caulfield's Suffering Anonymous 11th Grade

Holden Caulfield, the protagonist and narrator of The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger, constantly points out flaws in other people but is unable to see his own. Be it positive or negative, he loathes change. Through his general hatred of...

Loss of Innocence: The Catcher in the Rye and Rebel Without a Cause Sierra Mai Summers 11th Grade

Each day, someone loses his or her innocence due to a seminal moment that changes his or her life forever. This concept of lost innocence is represented in both the novel The Catcher in the Rye and the film Rebel Without a Cause . Protagonists...

Mentally Manipulated: Holden Caulfield and PTSD Anonymous 12th Grade

One Johns Hopkins Study determined that 81% of young adults have been exposed to a traumatic event, while 8% of those exposed have developed Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (“Blog”). The symptoms of PTSD can be divided into three groups: intrusive,...

The Boarding School Microcosm: The Unrealistic Portrayal of “Real Life” in the Institutions of Young Adult Literature Kelly Bergh College

Young adult novels set at boarding schools typically feature protagonists that encounter trials not necessarily representative of life outside of fiction on their journey towards adulthood. Rather, these texts amplify struggles and cause problems...

The Consumer in the Rye Anonymous 11th Grade

The World Wars, being some of the most important events in history, changed society and created the modern world we know today. The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger, is a critic of the new, modern world that was created in the post war era....

To Ban or Not to Ban: Why Catcher has so Many Rye-led Up Katelyn Gilleo 12th Grade

Thirty-six middle-aged people lean in simultaneously, a collection of ears trained intently on the speaker. He clears his throat before addressing the smattering of adults comprised mostly of teachers, a handful of parents, and an empty-nester...

Hooking Up With Holden: Exploring Sexuality in The Catcher in the Rye Anonymous College

“Sex is something I just don't understand. I swear to God I don't,” (Salinger, 63). It might take Holden Caulfield nine chapters to admit to this, but his sexual confusion is present from the first pages of J.D. Salinger’s famous novel The Catcher...

The Cyclical Nature of Running Away: Analysis of Holden Caulfield and Francis Weed Elizabeth Tyranski 10th Grade

In both “The Country Husband” and The Catcher in the Rye , Francis Weed and Holden Caulfield attempt to escape the cyclical nature of their societies, but are ironically brought back to a routine lifestyle that is both predictable and blatantly...

The Catcher in the Cold War: 1950s Society and the Question of Responsibility Jessica Leigh Ann Elizabeth Morris 12th Grade

According to Joseph Cummins, a researcher on teenage rebellion in the 50’s and 60’s, in 1946, 3.4 million babies were born in the U.S, which is more than ever before. This was followed by 3.8 million in 1947. After 1954 4 million babies were born...

Holden and the Canon: Evaluating the Aesthetic and Classic Status of 'The Catcher in the Rye' Eve McMullen 12th Grade

J.D Salinger’s ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ has been controversial since its release in 1951. Its focus on crude and sexual subject matter means it was banned in many places, even in some American schools today. Works in the canon, sometimes referred...

55 Catcher in the Rye Essay Topics

J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” remains a quintessential piece of American literature. The story delves deep into the three-day journey of 17-year-old Holden in Manhattan after his expulsion from prep school, capturing the nuances of his initiation into adulthood. The novel extensively underlines the ideals of the American middle-class and employs humor and symbolism which resonate with high school and college students, making it a frequent educational reference.

However, understanding and extracting Salinger’s stylistic devices and thematic concerns can be tricky for those unfamiliar with the novel. This guide aims to facilitate the selection of engaging essay topics based on “The Catcher in the Rye” and provide exemplary topics and questions for your reference.

Table of Contents

Guide to Selecting an Engaging Catcher in the Rye Essay Topic

Comprehensive Reading : Before delving into topic selection, ensure a thorough reading of the novel. Jot down compelling ideas, characters, and literary devices encountered during the read.

Theme Identification : Recognize and understand the novel’s central themes. From the challenges of adolescence to the intricacies of human relationships, these themes provide a foundation for topic generation.

Staying Relevant : Your selected topic should be aligned with the novel’s content and not veer off into tangential discussions.

Originality : Given the novel’s popularity, many topics might feel overdone. Aim for a unique perspective or a fresh angle to make your essay stand out.

Inspiring Essay Topics Based on The Catcher in the Rye :

• Exploration of Holden’s relationships
• Symbols signifying the coming-of-age theme.
• Holden’s struggle between adolescence and isolation.
• Comparing Salinger’s style with that of “An American Tragedy.”
• Should “The Catcher in the Rye” be banned? Present your case.
• The portrayal of American outcast culture.
• Analyzing the novel’s key conflicts.
• Drawing parallels between “The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn” and Salinger’s masterpiece.
• Understanding Holden’s journey through the five stages of grief.
• The significance of the red hunting hat in the narrative.

Holden’s Relationships :

• The dynamic between Holden and Phoebe.
• Holden’s perception of adults versus children.
• His encounters with nuns and their influence on his worldview.
• The role of Mr. Antolini in Holden’s life.
• Understanding the significance of Holden’s relationship with Sally Hayes.

Symbols and Motifs :

• The Museum of Natural History and its representation of the static past.
• The ducks in Central Park and their symbolism.
• Holden’s red hunting hat and its ties to identity.
• The motif of “falling” and its significance in the novel.
• The carousel and its representation of life’s cyclic nature.

Societal Critiques :

• Holden’s perspective on societal hypocrisy.
• The critique of materialism in the novel.
• Holden’s confrontation with the adult world and its shortcomings.
• Salinger’s commentary on post-war American society.
• The portrayal of women in Holden’s world.

Mental Health Exploration :

• Understanding Holden’s depression.
• Holden’s fixation on death.
• The trauma from Allie’s death and its impact on Holden.
• Examining Holden’s narrative from a PTSD perspective.
• The potential reasons behind Holden’s hospitalization.

The Coming-of-Age Theme :

• How does Holden perceive adulthood?
• The challenges of growing up as presented in the novel.
• The instances when Holden showcases maturity.
• Holden’s resistance to becoming an adult.
• The moments when Holden embraces his youth.

Contrasts and Dualities :

• Innocence vs. experience in Holden’s life.
• Holden’s dual perspective: child vs. adult.
• Reality vs. fantasy in Holden’s escapades.
• Solitude vs. societal interaction.
• Holden’s inner conflict: fear of change vs. desire for connection.

Character Analysis :

• Examining Holden as an anti-hero.
• Phoebe’s role as a grounding force in Holden’s life.
• Mr. Antolini – a mentor or a menace?
• Analyzing the minor characters and their influence on Holden.
• The unseen influence of Allie on Holden’s decisions.

Literary Techniques :

• The use of unreliable narration in the novel.
• The significance of the title, “The Catcher in the Rye.”
• Salinger’s use of colloquial language to craft Holden’s voice.
• The impact of a first-person narrative in understanding Holden.
• Exploring the narrative pacing of Holden’s three days in New York.

Comparative Analysis :

• “The Catcher in the Rye” vs. “To Kill a Mockingbird”: Examining childhood.
• Salinger’s Holden and Mark Twain’s Huckleberry Finn: Rebels in their respective societies.
• Comparing the portrayal of New York City in Salinger’s novel and F. Scott Fitzgerald’s “The Great Gatsby.”
• “The Catcher in the Rye” and “Lord of the Flies”: Analyzing lost innocence.
• Holden Caulfield vs. Jay Gatsby: Dreams, delusions, and downfalls.

Provocative Essay Questions for Consideration :

• Is Holden an archetype of sanity in an insane world?
• Can Holden ever find his true self?
• What drives Holden’s disdain for “phonies”?
• Does Holden grapple with his dual identities as a child and an adult?

Additional Essay Ideas : Consider juxtaposing “The Catcher in the Rye” with contemporary works like Stephen Chbosky’s “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” or John Green’s “Looking for Alaska” . Dive into the novel’s controversial ties with historical events, such as the attempted assassination of Ronald Reagan or the murder of John Lennon.

Seeking Professional Assistance?

Struggling to get started? Consider leveraging professional writing services. WriteOnDeadline offers tailored solutions for students seeking expert essay writing assistance. Our native writers, equipped with academic prowess and vast experience, have helped countless students craft compelling essays. If you’re striving for a top-tier essay on this classic novel, we’re here to help!

Catcher In The Rye - List of Essay Samples And Topic Ideas

J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” unveils a compelling exploration of teenage alienation and the quest for identity through its protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Essays could delve into the thematic richness of the novel, examining its critique of phoniness in society and its poignant portrayal of adolescent angst. They might also discuss the character of Holden, analyzing his narrative voice, his struggle with mental health, and his longing for innocence and authenticity. Discussions could extend to the literary style, cultural impact, and the enduring relevance of “The Catcher in the Rye” in understanding the complexities of teenage experience, mental health, and the human condition. A substantial compilation of free essay instances related to Catcher In The Rye you can find at PapersOwl Website. You can use our samples for inspiration to write your own essay, research paper, or just to explore a new topic for yourself.

Childhood and Adulthood in the Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye represents childhood as innocence and adulthood as being phony. Holden refuses to grow up but his age and school is forcing it upon him. Holden has a great protection of a child's innocence. He was alienated from the society. And is disgusted by the phoniness of the adult world. He is just trying to protect his adolescence and others close to him. Holden believes strongly in protecting adolescence innocence. He has a fear for maturity […]

The Catcher in the Rye Symbolism

What do the Ducks Mean in The Catcher in the Rye In The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger the author, weaved a variety of symbols into the novel. One symbol that contributed to the overall theme of the painfulness of growing up was the ducks in Central Park. From start to end, Holden wondered and asked people where the ducks went. In the novel, Holden states, I was wondering if it would be frozen over when I got home, and […]

Walking with Holden: Interpreting “Coming through the Rye”

For generations, J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" has enraptured readers, educators, and critics alike, largely due to its relatable teenage protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Within the narrative, there's a recurrent theme attached to Robert Burns' poem, "Comin' Thro' the Rye". The poem itself, and Holden's interpretation of it, provides a profound window into the psyche of Salinger's character and the broader themes of the novel. Robert Burns, the famed Scottish poet, penned "Comin' Thro' the Rye" in the late […]

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Love for Childhood Innocence in the Catcher in the Rye

Childhood is where every conscious child wants to be an adult and Adulthood is where every adult secretly wants to be a child again - Abhimanyu Singh. Holden's lousy childhood experience emphasizes his love for childhood innocence throughout the book. In the novel, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden dislikes the idea of becoming an adult and makes wants to protect his sister Phoebe from the cruelty of adulthood. As Holden matures and becomes more aware of his […]

Catcher in the Rye Summary

In the novel The Catcher In The Rye by J.D Salinger, the main character Holden Caulfield is a troubled child and fears the change from childhood to adulthood. Throughout the novel, the main character Holden Caulfield takes us through a few days of his life, in which he flaunts his hostile attitude to us. Over the course of his journey, there is a subtle, yet important, pattern. The author of this book J.D Salinger was born on January 1st, 1919 […]

Analysis of the Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

In Catcher in the Rye written by J.D. Salinger is a novel about a young boy named Holden Caulfield who was raised in a very wealthy family. Holden has a ten-year-old sister named Phoebe and she is his favorite person than the many of the few people he likes. Holden has an older brother, D.B Caulfield. They are very distant because D.B goes to Hollywood and sells books. Holden sees D.B as prostituting his talents by writing for Hollywood movies. […]

A Catcher in the Rye Theme

Teenage years; a quest for self identity, a sense of self. In trying to find themselves, it’s not uncommon to find a teenager experimenting with smoking, drugs, and sex. Teenagers use vulgar language, and are more rebellious than they were in their earlier years. In the essay on Catcher in the Rye, a 16 year old boy by the name of Holden tells his narrative from the lonely walls of a sanatorium. Holden tells about his journey with sex, smoking, […]

Catcher in the Rye Growing up Theme

In J.D. Salinger’s, The Catcher in the Rye, Childhood and adolescence are depicted by times of innocence and wonder. Throughout Salinger’s novel, the main character, Holden, struggles with the concept of growing up in life. While Holden, wanting to act more like an adult such as his friends, Holden always finds a way to stay on the path of the youth. Throughout the novel, Holden struggles between the line youth and the line of maturity and this causes Holden great […]

Mental Health of Teens and the Catcher in the Rye

What people never understand is that depression isn't about the outside; it's about the inside, a quote asserted by Jasmine Warga. Associating with the black cloud of depression by concealing one's true feelings is the way many people were brought up by. Depression has a way of silently striking a person, similar to the way it overtook Holden Caulfield, in the book The Catcher in the Rye (genre: literary realism), written by J.D Salinger. Although Holden Caulfield was never clearly […]

The Catcher in the Rye Monologue

If you really want to hear about it, you'll probably want to know about my lousy childhood, and where I was born, or maybe what my parents do for a living if you're feeling especially phony. But it's not like I'm going to tell you my whole goddam autobiography, for Chrissake. I'll just tell you about some of the crazy stuff that happened to me around last Christmas after they kicked me out of Pencey and before I got sort […]

Catcher in the Rye Depression

The Catcher in the Rye, was written in 1951. Salinger, the author of this novel, was born January first 1919, and was widely known because of this book itself. There was no movie made based off the Catcher in the Rye because Salinger refused to sell movie rights. Even though Salinger passed away, his family still lives up to what he wants, which is to only have a book. Salinger worked on this book while fighting in World War II, […]

About Teenagers’ Mind in the Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye should be in Penn Manor's Literature curriculum because of his ability to present an accurate and descriptive representation of a teenagers' mind; his use of locations as symbols that represent a phony and cruel world; and the depiction of his own life experiences and the conflicts he encountered during his school life. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, represents an accurate and descriptive representation of a teenagers' mind because of his […]

Catcher in the Rye Censorship

Catcher in the Rye may not seem like an age appropriate book for teenagers to be reading during such a confusing time, you cannot judge a book based on the cover or what others may deem as inappropriate. For many many years, this novel has been challenged and even banned in some schools because of the language used in the book. Looking past the expletives used or the content that is in it is beside the point because there can […]

The Catcher in the Rye: Symbols

I Remember… School makes me think of my friends which makes my think about laughing which makes me think about my birthday which makes me think of parties which make me think of music which makes me think of eating which makes me think of Wingstop which makes me think about sleeping which makes me think about dreams. Just The Way I Liked It Holden wears his hat when he wants to be himself. When he wears it, he feels […]

The Fear of Adulthood in Catcher in the Rye, a Novel by J. D. Salinger

In Salinger's Catcher In The Rye, Holden struggles with holding on to the part of him that is still a child while having to make the transition to having adult responsibilities. Throughout the novel, observations can be made about his constant struggle with all the adults that he encounters being phony and superficial, while he views children as innocent and moral. The real turning point in the novel is when Phoebe asks Holden what he enjoys doing and he responds […]

Loneliness in “Catcher in the Rye”

But do we know what it's loneliness? Or do we know what it is to be alone? We will always have different perspectives, ideas, comments on this subject. Psychology defines solitude as a lack, whether voluntary or involuntary, when the person decides to be alone or when this person is alone by different circumstances of life. This contrast is reflected throughout the narrative in the dissimilar characters. Developing the theme of solitude effectively in each of its characters through different […]

The Catcher in the Rye: Censorship

To start off, the Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, is about a boy named Holden Caulfield, who begins the book at a school named Pencey Prep School, in Pennsylvania. At the books beginning, the school is several days away from Christmas break, where Holden will be returning home to Manhattan, where his parents live, because he has been expelled out of the prep school due to the failing of four out of his five classes. To end […]

What does the Red Hunting Hat Symbolize in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’

Introduction "Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody" (Salinger 234). In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, the main character, Holden, mentions his red hunting hat a couple of times throughout the novel, but this actually develops a plot for the story. The red hunting hat symbolizes different emotions Holden has only when he is wearing the hat. Holden usually wears the hat when he feels vulnerable or hopeless, and he also wears the […]

About the Catcher in the Rye

Holden Caulfield is a teenager growing up in America in the 50's. Even though he is just a teenager, he has already had to endure a lot of trials and tribulations: both physically and mentally. Upon being expelled, he runs away from his exclusive preparatory school in Pennsylvania, and spends a little time in New York. While there he realizes he must grow up. Although Holden isn't able to express himself practically, the way he thinks is identical to the […]

The Timeless Tale of ‘Catcher in the Rye’: a Journey through Holden’s Eyes

J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye' is not just a book; it's a mirror reflecting the tumultuous journey of adolescence, a voyage marked by rebellion, disillusionment, and a desperate search for identity. Published in 1951, this novel has since etched itself into the fabric of literary classics, offering a raw, unapologetic glimpse into the mind of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Holden's narrative is more than a story; it's a rhythmic dance of thoughts, a cascade of emotions, and a […]

Holden Vs. the World: Society in ‘The Catcher in the Rye’

If you've ever felt like you're banging your head against the wall of societal norms, then you'll get where Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye,' is coming from. This novel isn’t just a teenage rebellion story; it’s a deep dive into how society shapes, shakes, and sometimes shatters us. Let's unpack how Salinger uses society as both a backdrop and a character in this iconic tale. Holden's beef with society is pretty clear from […]

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How To Write an Essay About Catcher In The Rye

Understanding 'the catcher in the rye'.

To write an insightful essay about 'The Catcher in the Rye,' it's essential to have a comprehensive understanding of the novel. Authored by J.D. Salinger, this classic piece of literature is known for its rich themes and complex characters. The novel follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenager navigating the challenges of adolescence and the transition into adulthood. It's important to grasp the themes Salinger explores, such as alienation, loss of innocence, and the phoniness of the adult world. Understanding the historical and cultural context in which Salinger wrote the novel will also add depth to your analysis.

Developing a Thesis Statement

The foundation of a good essay is a strong, clear thesis statement. Your thesis should present a unique perspective or argument about 'The Catcher in the Rye.' This might involve analyzing Salinger's portrayal of adolescence, the symbolism in the novel, or the narrative style. Whatever angle you choose, your thesis should guide the structure and content of your essay, providing a clear path for your argument.

Gathering Supporting Evidence

Once you have your thesis, the next step is to gather evidence from the text to support your argument. This involves closely reading the novel to find specific examples, such as key dialogues, character actions, or descriptions that align with your thesis. For instance, if your essay focuses on Holden's perspective on adulthood, find passages in the text that illustrate his views and feelings. These examples will serve as the backbone of your essay, providing concrete evidence to support your arguments.

Analyzing the Novel

In this section of your essay, analyze the evidence you have collected. Discuss how the examples from the novel support your thesis. This might involve a deeper exploration of Holden's character, the novel's setting, or Salinger's writing style. Ensure that your analysis goes beyond mere description and offers an insightful interpretation of the novel. Your goal is to demonstrate a deep understanding of the text and to communicate this understanding to your reader.

Concluding the Essay

Your conclusion should wrap up the essay by summarizing the main points of your analysis and restating your thesis. This is an opportunity to tie together your arguments and leave the reader with a final thought or question to ponder. The conclusion should reinforce the significance of your analysis and the relevance of 'The Catcher in the Rye' in literature and society.

Reviewing and Refining the Essay

After writing your essay, it's important to review and refine it. Check for clarity and coherence in your arguments, and ensure that your essay flows logically from the introduction to the conclusion. Pay attention to grammar and syntax to ensure your writing is clear and professional. Seeking feedback from others can also provide new insights and help you polish your essay further. A well-crafted essay will not only reflect your understanding of 'The Catcher in the Rye' but also your ability to engage critically with literary texts.

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Essay Samples on Catcher in The Rye

"the catcher in the rye": role of symbolism in salinger's novel.

J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye" is renowned for its rich use of symbolism, which deepens the narrative and conveys profound themes. Through the eyes of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield, the novel explores the complexities of adolescence, identity, and the loss of innocence....

• Catcher in The Rye

Identity, Loss, and Emotional Struggles in Literary Works

Introduction In the novel 'I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter' Julia wrests with depression, anxiety, and a suicide attempt, those around her understand that her sadness, fear, and self-hatred are not just growing pains: Julia is genuinely at sea, separated from her family, herself,...

• I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter

Analysis of Holden’s Character in the "Catcher In The Rye": Id, Ego And Superego

The social rules and definitions that we internalized form a large part of our sense of right and wrong. There is always an ongoing conflict between our desires and social convention that happen unconsciously in our minds. This paper intends to discuss the occurrence of...

• Character Analysis
• Holden Caulfield

How I Relate to Holden Caulfield From "The Catcher In The Rye"

“The Catcher in the Rye” written by J.D. Salinger is narrated by a young boy named Holden Caulfield. Holden, a seventeen-year-old, currently hospitalized in a mental institution, narrates the events of his previous school term in which he gets expelled from his fourth boarding school...

Analysis Of The Possible Psychological Issues Of Holden Caulfield From The Novel The Catcher In The Rye

Holden is seemingly suffering from peculiar behavioral tendencies which indicate the he was emotionally distressed and he finds it hard to conform to the realities of the society recovering from the effects of World-War II (Roy 8). Holden finds it uneasy to admit the he...

• Psychological Disorders

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Addressing Mental Health Stigma During 50s In The Novel "The Catcher In The Rye"

“I felt so lonesome, all of the sudden. I almost wished I was dead, ” (Salinger 28). With regards to his mental state of depression and loneliness, Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, exemplified mental health during the...

• Mental Health

Comparative Analysis of "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" and "The Catcher in the Rye"

J.D. Salinger and Steven Chbosky’s interpretations work well in the novel and film for young adults. Both novels were written during a period of change in American society. Themes prevalent in young adult literature include alienation and disillusionment, coping with family diverseness, peer relationships, overcoming...

• The Perks of Being a Wallflower

The Similarities in Stories of Holden Caulfield and Forrest Gump

The characters Holden Caulfield and Forrest Gump are the leads in two very popular and entertaining stories where they share their experiences, thoughts and feelings from their own perspectives. Forrest Gump (1994) is a movie based off the original book of the same name that...

An Explanation Behind the Sporadic Actions of Holden Caulfield

Holden Caulfield was a seemingly unsolvable anomaly. His life was complicated by the death of his younger brother, and the negative reaction that it invoked from his parents. He was pushed around from school to school, failing and being expelled from the majority of them...

J.D Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye: Holden Caulfield's Nihilistic Behavior

In the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger, the author constructs a nihilistic teenager who lives in a society dominated by phony adults and is trying to deal with both internal and external conflicts. Nihilism is the belief that there is no...

Comparing the Main Characters of the Book The Catcher in the Rye and the Movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower

After reading the book The Catcher in the Rye and watching the movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower I can conclude that they have similarities as well as differences. They both include two main characters that share common similarities. Both of these main characters...

• Protagonist

A Comparative Analysis of Two Coming-of-Age Novels

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger are two classic coming-of-age novels that share similarities but also have distinct differences in the way they portray their themes. Both books explore the struggles of adolescence...

• Mental Illness

Depiction of Betrayal in The Catcher in the Rye

There have been many studies done on specific Taekwondo strikes and their kinetics or physics behind them. Through this experiment, I will be answering the questions: What line of impact is most effective when in combat and why? What makes this kick or strike so...

Modernism as the Key to the Understanding of "The Catcher in the Rye"

World War I is one of the most tragic events to occur for all mankind. Although wars bring about death and destruction, it also brings about unity and new beginnings for new ideas. The effects of war are expressed through literature and art. This made...

The Fear of Adult Responsibilities in "The Catcher in The Rye"

J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel that explores the fear and anxiety of growing up and assuming adult responsibilities. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is a disillusioned teenager who struggles with the transition from adolescence to adulthood. In this essay, we...

• Responsibility

Analysis of Holden's Language in "The Catcher In The Rye"

The Catcher In The Rye by J. D. Salinger is a classic novel about a young man named Holden Caulfield and his journey into the adult world. Holden has been to many schools and kicked out many times. Holden tells the story of his expulsion...

Holden's Attempt to Prevent Adulthood in Catcher in The Rye

J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye: Holden’s Self Sabotage Salinger’s novel, Catcher in the Rye’s protagonist Holden Caulfield is struggling with maturing into an adult. Holden’s mental and emotional maturation process began when he was 13 and had to deal with the burden of losing...

• Book Review

"Catcher in The Rye": Quotes About Innocence

Loss of Innocence Holden pesters Stradlater about Jane because he hasn’t seen her in years and represents Jane with innocence in his mind. I walked over to the window, but you couldn’t see out of it, it was so steamy from all the heat in...

• Literary Criticism

Phoebe Caulfield As A Symbol Of Innocence And Childlike Energy In J.D Salinger's Novel Catcher In The Rye

In J.D Salinger’s novel Catcher In The Rye, Phoebe Caulfield is the sister to Holden. She can be considered a round character in the way that Holden depicts her, and a true symbol of innocence and childlike energy. This essay will prove through the encounters...

Best topics on Catcher in The Rye

1. “The Catcher in the Rye”: Role of Symbolism in Salinger’s Novel

2. Identity, Loss, and Emotional Struggles in Literary Works

3. Analysis of Holden’s Character in the “Catcher In The Rye”: Id, Ego And Superego

4. How I Relate to Holden Caulfield From “The Catcher In The Rye”

5. Analysis Of The Possible Psychological Issues Of Holden Caulfield From The Novel The Catcher In The Rye

6. Addressing Mental Health Stigma During 50s In The Novel “The Catcher In The Rye”

7. Comparative Analysis of “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” and “The Catcher in the Rye”

8. The Similarities in Stories of Holden Caulfield and Forrest Gump

9. An Explanation Behind the Sporadic Actions of Holden Caulfield

10. J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye: Holden Caulfield’s Nihilistic Behavior

11. Comparing the Main Characters of the Book The Catcher in the Rye and the Movie The Perks of Being a Wallflower

12. A Comparative Analysis of Two Coming-of-Age Novels

13. Depiction of Betrayal in The Catcher in the Rye

14. Modernism as the Key to the Understanding of “The Catcher in the Rye”

15. The Fear of Adult Responsibilities in “The Catcher in The Rye”

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Catcher in The Rye — The Theme of Loneliness and Alienation in J.D. Salinger’s “Catcher in the Rye”

The Theme of Loneliness and Alienation in J.d. Salinger’s "Catcher in The Rye"

• Categories: Catcher in The Rye Loneliness Mental Health

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Related Essays on Catcher in The Rye

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• Critical essays on Salinger's...

Critical essays on Salinger's The catcher in the rye /

This volume brings together critical essays on The Catcher in the Rye (1951), representing three decades from the 1950s through the 1980s. It includes a number of key reviews that appeared shortly after the publication of the novel. The introduction by Salzberg traces the history of the criticism an...

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Catcher In The Rye

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Good hook for catcher in the rye

JDK Slinger shows Holder as a 1 6-year-old boy lose to adult hood and having trouble with accepting society and struggling with any issues in the daily life. Holder is an individual in earlier American society, who is non-conformTABLE and does not choose to cooperate with society, however still very human because he is low self-esteem when he calls himself words like moron, madman or weak, but Holder is sincere and kind when he desires to be a protector Of innocent for young children.

According to Christopher Parker, a critic of The Catcher in the Rye, he said: “I’m not trying to say that Coalfield’s way is right and society’s is wrong-but I do think that Coalfield, the individual, is far more human and right than those Of us on the outside asking him if he’s going to apply himself or not. ” He also states: “Some people condemn Coalfield as “not liking anything,” but he does – he likes the only things really worth liking.. Because he is sincere he won’t settle for less” (15-16).

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Parker emphasizes that Coalfield is no different from us, he does like something, but the only difference is Coalfield only likes “things really worth liking. ” Throughout the Story Holder displays that he does not like to go to school, because he does not seem like he tries to study hard or fights to stay at school when he is “flunking out of Pence” (Slinger 13). He does not like phony people, he thinks this world, or at least his world is full of phonies, from his principal who puts on phony smile and handshakes students’ parents to most of his friends and people he meets are phony.

Phoniness, for Holder, stands as an emblem of everything that’s wrong in the world around him or everything that he does not like, and it provides an excuse for him to withdraw into his cynical isolation. Also one event that really inspires Holder is when he was in his Old school, there was a guy named James suicide because he ‘Letdown’s take back something he said bout this very conceited boy’ ( Slinger 221). This really makes him sincere, because he is living truly with himself.

He does not make himself have to like people, who are nice and seem like trying to make this society better, actually they are making this world very “phony’ to him. The essence that also reveals his “things really worth liking’ is when he slips Holder slips quietly back into his apartment and speaks with Phoebe. They talk, argue, and then reconcile, and phoebe asks Holder what he wants to do with his life. He responds “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. I know it’s crazy, but that’s the only thing I’d really like to be. I know it’s crazy’ (Slinger 224-225). Readers can see his fantasy of idealistic childhood and a protector of innocent is the only thing Holder likes and desires for. Slinger does show some good sides of Coalfield and this is one of them.

A kind young boy tries to save the young innocent generation from adult hood, which is ere superficial and hypocritical. His “catcher in the rye” fantasy reflects his innocence, his belief in pure, uncorrupted youth, and this makes him very human. On the other hand, this quotes also shows that Holder prefers to retreat into his own imaginary view of the world rather than deal with the complexities Of the world around him. He is totally not willing to cooperate or accept the reality happening in his life.

According to author Letterer of Journal of Individual Psychology, “Holder Coalfield selectively attends to and retains essentially the negative aspects of is world, and then deprecates others and his surroundings in order to compensate for devastated feelings of inferiority.. Holder Coalfield depicts himself as a “moron,” yellow,” ‘”quite illiterate,” “not too tough,” “a liar,” ‘the only dumb one,” and “weak. ” His self-perception is so imbued with intense of feelings of inferiority, it is even manifested in his sympathetic awareness. Throughout the Story, Holder Coalfield usually calls himself with words like “moron”, “madman”, “weak”.. Those kind Of words are used to degrade someone and that is what Holder is doing, he is degrading himself. His “self- perception” is also his very low self-esteem. He lets his negative feelings and thinking toward his world, therefore it destroys his self-esteem. This shows that he does not find the connection with the real world, or neither let himself to open to cooperate with the society.

He puts himself in a isolated world, which is very different from reality and this imaginary world does not have phonies or perverts as he sees. In The Catcher in the Rye, J. D Slinger shows readers a young boy who lives in New York city. During the time in the city before going back home, Holder Coalfield experiences and discovers more about himself. He presents an individual in the early society who are struggling with cooperate with the whole community, and even people around. He is not a rebel, though he is usually called that.

He is merely suffering from the way things are, always and everywhere, in a world of insufficient truth. He is a low self-esteem and sometimes absurd adolescent, but he is also a doomed human being of special sensitivity. The neglect Holder felt as a child produced his catcher in the rye fantasy, where he wants to protect the foundation of childhood and innocence. This fantasy is the reason that Holder stops himself from becoming involved with people end that makes him very human and sincere as well.

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Catcher In The Rye Essay Hook (708 words)

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In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden views the world as an evil and corrupt placewhere there is no peace. This perception of the world does not changesignificantly through the novel. However as the novel progresses, Holdengradually comes to the realization that he is powerless to change this. Duringthe short period of Holden’s life covered in this book, “Holden doessucceed in making us believe that the world is crazy”.

Shortly after Holdenleaves Pencey Prep he checks in to the EdmontHotel. This is where Holden’sturmoil begins. Holden spends the following evening in this hotel which was”full of perverts and morons. (There were) screwballs all over theplace.

” His situation only deteriorates from this point on as the more helooks around this world, the more depressing life seems. Around every cornerHolden sees evil. He looks out on a world, which appears completely immoral. Thethree days we learn of from the novel place a distressed Holden in the are ofManhattan.

The city is decked with decorations and holiday splendor, yet, muchto Holden’s despair “seldom yields any occasions of peace, charity or evengenuine merriment. “Holden is surrounded by what he views as drunks,perverts, morons and screwballs. These convictions which Holden holds waver verymomentarily during only one particular scene in the book. The scene is that withMr.

Antolini. After Mr. Antolini patted Holden on the head while he wassleeping, Holden jumped up and ran out thinking that Mr. Antolini was a pervertas well. This is the only time during the novel where Holden thinks twice aboutconsidering someone as a pervert. After reviewing Mr.

Antolini, Holden finallyconcludes that maybe he wasn’t making a “flirty” pass at him. Maybe hejust like patting guys heads as they sleep. This is really the only time in thenovel where Holden actually considers a positive side. This event does notconstitute a significant change. As Holden himself says, “It’s not too badwhen the sun’s out, but the sun only comes out when it feels like coming out. “The sun of course is a reference to decency through the common associationof light and goodness.

His perception of the world remains the same. The oneconviction that does change during the novel is Holden’s belief that he canchange the world. On his date with Sally, Holden reveals his feelings. “Didyou ever get fed up?. . .

I mean did you ever get scared that everything was goingto go lousy unless you did something. . . “Holden goes through several plans.

Holden at one point contemplates heading out west where he will pretend to be adeaf-mute and live a quiet life. At another point Holden proposes to Sally toescape this world with him. It is finally to his younger sister Phoebe thatHolden reveals his ultimate plan. Although Holden describes the situation in avery picturesque and symbolic manner he essentially tells Phoebe that he wantsto prevent children from growing up. He blames the world’s corruption on adultsand believes that when he stops the children from growing up he will preservetheir innocence and save the world. It takes most of the book before Holdenbegins to realize that he is helpless to stop this corruption.

Finally, herealizes that not only is there nothing that he can do, but there is nowhere hecan go to hide from it. Holden takes awhile to comprehend these concepts. Onegood example is when Holden is delivering the note to his sister. He encountersa “*censored*-you” written on the wall.

Holden careful rubs this offwith his hand so as to protect the innocent children from reading it. Later onhe finds “*censored*-you” scratched into the surface with a knife. Hediscovers that he can’t efface this one. Even in the timeless peace of theEgyptian tomb room at the museum there is an un-erasable”*censored*-you. ” This incident is the beginning of Holden’srealization that his dreams are infeasible. Strangely enough, it is one of the”innocent” children that he is trying to protect who helps him come toterms with this realization.

It is Phoebe who challenges his plan to escape outwest. As he is telling Phoebe that she can not run away, he discovers that hetoo can not run away. “You can’t ever find a place that is nice andpeaceful, because there isn’t any. “The final break – down comes near theend of the book when he is

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