The Catcher In The Rye By J. D. Stalinger: Chapter Analysis

Circles make up an important aspect of life. Famous uses of circles include the broken wheel symbol of Nemesis, the Greek goddess of revenge, and indignation. Pi (π) which also comes from the Greeks, is a mathematical constant of the ratio between a circle’s circumference to it’s diameter. A goddess who represents anger and resent and a never changing number represent more than just mathematics and mythology, it’s also what Holden Caulfield’s life is like. In J.D Stalinger’s novel, the catcher in the rye, Holden Caulfield is a sixteen year old boy terrified of adulthood. He is resenting the changes in his life and The novel is told from his perspective as he looks back on a bleak December before he entered the institution where he is now. The ending of The Catcher in the Rye is ambiguous and that appropriately concludes the novel because like Holden’s life, his story is not yet over. The tone of the ending of the catcher in the rye is hopeful instead of depressing like in the rest of the novel because of the symbolism of the weather, Holden’s hunting hat, the carousel because similar to Pandora’s jar, hope doesn’t leave, even if the ducks in central park do.
Holden is a unique individual and his personal style reflects that. In chapter ___, Holden introduces his …show more content…
Holden remininces about the carousel saying __________. Since then, he hasn’t been able to have those happy memories with his brothers after DB’s becoming a screenwriter in Hollywood and Allie’s passing. Despite being angry with Holden, his little sister Phoebe is coaxed onto the carousel. On the carousel, Holden observes her and the other children grabbing at the gold ring. The gold ring represesnts a hope, a dream, and the chances for something better. Holden realizes that grabbing at the gold ring poses risk of falling off the horse. As an adult, he must let the children take the risk instead of trying to protect