Catcher In The Rye Language Analysis

In the Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield uses his unique language to express and reveal his world to the readers. Holden’s language often resonates with adolescents because he uses profanity. Additionally, his voice hints at rebellion, a common idea in youth culture. Through Holden’s speech, he reveals his reluctance to grow up. He associates growing up with being “phony”, which he calls almost everyone in the novel. Salinger’s use of diction illustrates Holden’s point of view of rebellion against society and adulthood. To begin, Holden’s excessive use of profanity highlights his rebellious attitudes and marks his immaturity. In the novel, Holden uses curse words such as “goddam”, “bastard”, and “sonuvabitch”. Cursing is a way that Holden …show more content…
In the Wicker Bar, Holden meets up with Carl Luce. The Wicker Bar is a “very sophisticated” and “swanky” place (157). This contrasts with the conversation Holden has with Carl. Holden asks Carl personal and immature questions about sex, like whether a mature person is “better for sex and all” (161). This shows that his “mind is immature.” (163). Furthermore, the sophistication of the bar is in contrast with Holden’s language. Unlike Holden, Carl uses more advanced vocabulary words such as “naturally (163) and “elementary” (164). In fact, Holden even admits that “[h]e certainly [has] a good vocabulary.” (165). Carl’s complex vocabulary makes him fit in more with those in the bar, since he sounds refined and classy. On the other hand, Holden’s arsenal of vocabulary words is weaker, suggesting at his immaturity and childishness. In continuation, Holden speaks loudly while Carl is calmer and quieter (160). Holden’s loudness makes him stand out from the bar full of mature adults, thus illustrating Holden’s inability to fit in with the adult world. It shows how Holden doesn’t conform to the sophisticated people around him. Ultimately, Holden’s limited vocabulary alienates him from those around him and reveals his inability to enter the adult …show more content…
Salinger illustrates this theme by using profanity, the word “phony”, and by creating Holden’s weak vocabulary. Holden’s profanity demonstrates his rebellion against authorities and shows his teenage angst. In addition, Holden calls almost everyone phony except for children and a few adults. He disassociates children with phoniness and he believe that almost every adult is phony. Adults act phony to benefit themselves or to look better. Contrarily, children are still innocent and they don’t have the need to impress everyone. Lastly, by having a weak vocabulary, Holden shows his immaturity and his inability to grow up. Through his expressions, Holden’s point of view resonates with adolescents. His rebellious attitudes reflect youth