How Does Holden Characterize In Catcher In The Rye

In the novel The Catcher In the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the narrator, Holden Caulfield, goes on an adventurous pilgrimage from his preparatory school in Pennsylvania to New York City, explaining many of his important thoughts and emotions along the way. Throughout his misguided trek through the big city, Holden continually has something wrong with himself and his mental state continues to deteriorate. Although the traits of unhappiness and pessimism embed in him, the readers come to appreciate and care for Holden. Holden’s ideas and thoughts not only reveal his love for his siblings but also reveal how powerfully he relates to the readers. He is an appealing character to readers because of his attachment to his siblings and his ability to relate to teens. Holden is an enticing character because readers love how …show more content…
Holden continuously uses foul language and dialogue, which is relatable to teenagers. Throughout the novel, Holden utilizes and repeats explicit language such as, “crazy sonuvabitch”(39), “with that bastard”(40), “pretty goddamn”(41), “what the hell”(42). Some teens use inappropriate words in everyday vocabulary without thinking twice. Holden’s eloquence and delivery of some phrases may not relate to all teens, but he accomplishes creating his own voice as a teenager and being unique. Holden's parents apply much pressure onto him, which is relatable to teenage readers. When Holden arrives in New York and wakes Phoebe in the middle of the night, Phoebe has a fit. While explaining Holden’s father’s reaction, Phoebe pouts, “Daddy’ll kill you!”(165). Phoebe’s rant about how much trouble Holden will be in reveals the pressures that Holden shares with teenagers. When Holden’s father finds out about Holden’s expulsion, he will be furious. Teenagers can closely relate to this situation as well because most parents put some pressure in their child’s