Character Analysis Of Catcher In The Rye By J. D. Salinger

Many times in our lives, we tend to judge people depending on their authenticity. While this might just be human nature, people tend to look beyond that. People are just looking to determine how authentic a person can be. Some people deserve to be admired for their beliefs, expectations and principles. In the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield has many beliefs and judgements about people based on what they say and do. Although, this may be thought as of a negative character trait, Holden judges based on authenticity, which is a good thing. Therefore Holden Caulfield should be admired for his beliefs and expectations. One reason Holden should be admired, is how he looks at one of his best’s friends, Jane, and the type of relationship Holden has with Jane due to her authenticity. For example, on page 86-89 Holden states, “She was a funny girl, old Jane. I wouldn’t exactly describe her as strictly beautiful… You never even worried, with Jane”. What Holden meant when he said …show more content…
That is because she looks up to Holden as a role model, and he doesn’t want her to be an unauthentic person. For instance on page 76 Holden claims, “The only trouble is, she’s a little too affectionate sometimes. She’s very emotional, for a child. She really is. Something else she does, she writes books all the time. Only, she doesn’t finish them…That kills me.” His little sister writes books about a detective that’s was originally an orphan. Phoebe is an innocent little girl who doesn’t know much about people, and would fall for anyone who is nice to her. Thus, not knowing anything about authenticity, Holden helps her out. Holden as an older brother cares a lot about his little sister, and doesn’t want his little sister to get hurt. As a result of Holden’s beliefs, he doesn’t even go near and tries to avoid unauthentic people, and tries to protect Phoebe from fake people