Theme Of Love In Catcher In The Rye

"Love is like the wind, you can't see it, but you can feel it." This quote by Nicholas Sparks demonstrates concepts in J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, because love is an abstraction of which is difficult to comprehend and obtain. The novel itself is composed of Holden Caulfield's three-day journey to New York City after being kicked out of Pencey which is a preparatory school his parents sent him to. In this colossal city he encounters many new as well as old acquaintances, and is especially reminded of his old friend Jane Gallagher. Holden is not truly in love with Jane, for their love is impractical and impossible in that of when provided an opportunity to encounter her he declines it and their relationship is solely based …show more content…
Holden is constantly reminded of their memories; however, that does not exhibit his love for her. An illustration of his imaginary love is displayed as Holden reminisces about his childhood as he mentions “kissing her all over-anywhere-her eyes, her nose, her forehead” (79). This moment signifies the previous bond they shared on an physical and emotional level. He additionally discloses that he thought she had a “terrific figure” (79) neglecting her inner beauty. This not only indicates he is in love with the old Jane, but also he is not in love with her, rather her image. Holden is unambiguously in love with the essence of the relationship they shared; however, having not seen her in years, he cannot candidly be in love with her. In addition to this recollection, Holden also constantly references their games of checkers. The games they play in their younger years are not a reflection of his current love for Jane; it is merely a moment in time of which Holden hopes is identical when the meet in the future. Likewise, Holden constantly has Jane “on the brain” (76) various times throughout the story, but has yet to actually encounter her. He also reveals that he “knows old Jane like a book” (76) which evinces his former love he possessed but is currently absent. It is virtually impossible for Holden to actually be in love with Jane, for he only knows who she was as a …show more content…
He is in love with the bond they previously shared, but when given an opportunity to recreate the relationship, Holden indisputably dismisses it. Holden is a complex character who analyzes the world with a different perspective than most people. When he claims to be in love, he is not sincere and truthful about his statement, especially regarding Jane. Holden is familiar with who Jane used to be, but claims to be in love with the Jane he indefinitely will not even