In “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield is evolving throughout the novel by gradually reaching a point where he can no longer cope with the truth of reality, causing him to mentally break down into a state of instability. For example, Holden is out on a date with Sally when he suddenly asks her “‘Here’s my idea. How would you like to get the hell out of here? … Honest to God, we could have a terrific time! Wuddaya say? C’mon! Wuddaya say? Will you do it with me? Please!’” (Salinger 146-147). This quotation demonstrates Holden’s impulsiveness and lack of composure through his repetitiveness and illogical thought fluidity. By exclaiming “Wuddaya say?” and “C’mon!” Holden is expressing his erratic state of mind and unpredictability.
