the catcher in the rye. "I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody’s around--nobody big, I mean- except me. And I’m standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff--I mean if they’re running and they don’t look where they’re going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That’s all I’d do all day. I’d just be the catcher in the
the catcher in the rye. "I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around--nobody big, I mean- except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff--I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the
The flashback technique is often used in movies where one of the characters will be remembering something or telling a story of a past event. Likewise the use of the technique is used in novels as well. We can see this technique is used in The Catcher in the Rye because Holden is telling the reader a story of an events that has already occurred. The flashback technique is a very powerful and successful
of himself. Salinger captures an adolescences bias perception of adults being phony and that they only think of themselves. Salinger explores the perspective of children being a complete world apart from the adults through Caulfield. ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ examines the theme of youth in conjunction with the process of becoming an adult. Caulfield has an idealized perception of what children are like, he has a fantasy of what children are like, and he hastily makes assumptions of adults, predominately
was with some gorgeous blonde, and the two of them were trying to be very blasé and all, like as if he didn't even know people were looking at him. Modest as hell. I got a big bang out of it (http://www.shmoop.com/catcher-in-the-rye/lies-deceit-quotes.html).” YOUTH The Catcher in the Rye presents a clear distinction between the world of children and that of adults. Children are genuine, caring, and kindhearted, whereas adults are "phony," self-centered, and generally "bastards." Because the story
him without being overly judgmental and is an escape to innocence for him. Holden’s dream of being “the catcher in the rye” (Pg 173) “And I’m standing on the edge of this crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff-…I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all. ” shows the reader the center of his idealism. The symbol of “the catcher in the rye” has another meaning for Holden as well. He wants to protect those who are innocent and preserve their innocence
the nuns and tries to pick up their check. Holden leaves the sandwich bar and walks down Broadway. There, he encounters a father, mother, and little boy walking down the street. The little boy is singing "If a body catch a body coming through the rye". Stops into a record store and buys recording of "Little Shirley Beans" for Phoebe. Goes to the theater and buys two tickets for the play "I Know My Love" for his date with Sally Hayes. Goes to Central Park looking for Phoebe. Still
time period. It shows how people talked at the time of the book's release with phrases and words that were popular in the 1950's. This use of slang and talk from the time period also help show Holden's naïve nature. Themes are very clear in Catcher in the Rye, and this is partially due to the author's choice of words. One major theme is “phoniness of the adult world”. Holden commonly notices conformity, hypocrisy, and shallowness in people. The dialogue of these people is a key component to Holden's
through your own eyes. The way Holden related situations and eventsto everyday things in life made things so much clearer to the reader and madeit much easier to understand why he thought they was he did on certain issues. The theme of Catcher In The Rye canbe stated in the following statement; life is not always fair and people arenot always fair, but you should try to make the best of everything. Holden knew quite a few people, and some ofthem he didn't like, but he was always nice to them
think about his future. Throughout the book Holden has shown evidence that he is immature by not caring about school and his future, after Phoebe asks, “Name something you’d like to be,” and Holden responds by ultimately saying, “I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all.” This shows that he is truly has no real concern about growing up and having a future. Another example of how Phoebe gives evidence through her character of Holden’s rejection to growing up and maturing is at the end when she wants
is taking and he asks for a bed, Elys bed. he says, “‘I can’t just tell somebody they can sleep in his goddam bed if they want to.’ That killed me. I reached up from where I was sitting on the floor and patted him on the goddam shoulder” (The Catcher in the Rye 62). All these swear words and insults really describe him as a teenager, as well as ignorance towards civil language. J. D Salinger makes it very clear, how in the novel, he expresses his and Holdens sexual ideas and his sexuality. This
are growing up (202). The symbols can be seen as emphasis of coming of age, and foreshadows Holden, himself, of growing up later in the book. The Catcher in the Rye, not only sets an example of coming of age in Holden’s life, but the changes of children turning into an adult in modern life. Even though, Catcher in the Rye is written more than fifty years ago, but many readers can connect to Holden’s life. One of the connections the readers can connect is the stress from social life
dollars. They make conversation for a while, until the nuns leave. After having breakfast, it was about noon and had two hours before meeting Sally. He sees a poor family, the father of which was singing “If a body catch a body coming through the rye”. He walks around Broadway, and goes around the record stores looking for ‘Little Shirley Beans’, a record he was trying to procure for Phoebe. The first store he goes to has a copy and he buys it for five dollars. He goes to a drugstore and uses the
interest in the theater, he decides to take his date anyway, because it was a common and acceptable event for dating at the time. This exemplifies America’s budding love of movies in addition to theater which began in the World War I era. The Catcher in the Rye also exemplified America’s society in a larger sense. During the time period of the setting, American’s were concerned with the communist threat as well as a society of conformists (Aubrey). Holden, throughout the book, is constantly critical
appeal to him because they are frozen and unchanging. He also mentions that he is troubled by the fact that he has changed every time he returns to them. The museum represents the world Holden wishes he could live in: it’s the world of his “catcher in the rye” fantasy, a world where nothing ever changes, where everything is simple, understandable, and infinite. Holden is terrified by the unpredictable challenges of the world—he hates conflict, he is confused by Allie’s senseless death, and he fears
cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff--I mean if they're running and they don' look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all"(173). He wants to save the kids of their innocence, and protect them from the adult world. This indicates Holden's insecurity of the world in which he lives in, and his disgust with becoming an adult. Holden is a very unique individual
The significance of the title in The Catcher In The Rye is derived from a poem that Holden discusses during the novel. The title of the novel is an allusion to the poem in that Holden misinterprets the poem's overall meaning. Holden's way of thinking tells him that the “catcher” in the poem wants to catch and save children from becoming adults . This also punctuates Holden's thinking in that adults are phony and the “catcher” keeps the children innocent and pure. The irony is that the poem is actually
he gradually becomes more and more intent on doing this, this becomes evident in Chapter 22, when Holden is speaking to Phoebe, ‘You know that song ‘‘If a body catch a body comin’ through the rye’’? … I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all … and nobody’s around – nobody big, I mean – except me and I’m standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff…
everything. The Catcher and The Rye is a great novel but due to its excessive use of profanity, sexual content, and drug abuse it is banned in many schools across the nation. After reading the book myself, I believe that the level of profanity used is no worse than that of a PG-13 rated movie. The book does have some strong content but by no means should it be banned from schools. Being such a relatable book I feel that every teen should read it at least once. The Catcher and The Rye is still relevant
depression. In extreme cases, the teen may even commit suicide. When someone feels unwanted, their risk of suicidal or dangerous behavior increases greatly. A perfect example of a youth experiencing such problems Is the novel "The Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger This timeless piece of Literature is based on problems teenagers have while trying to fit in. Through his Own personal experiences, Salinger has hit the nail on the head when discussing This topic. The book
rhythms of speech by using italics quite frequently in order to let the reader know when a character is placing emphasis on a word, or even on just a syllable, in dialogue. The emphasis of a single syllable shows a realism to the dialogue of The Catcher in the Rye rarely seen not only in the works of Salinger?s time, but also before and after it. Salinger?s emphasis on the rhythm of speech is mirrored in his emphasis on the rhythm of thought, which, in turn, emphasizes the importance of both. Salinger
would be shocked by this, as the word nigger has a very malicious meaning nowadays and is considered a racist insult due to the equality rights now instilled in the majority of society, due to the word undergoing perjoration. The audience of Catcher in the Rye would probably not be surprised at the behaviour that Holden employs, as teenagers in the late 1940s were gaining a new sense of freedom and the dangers of letting your children out into
glamour of Hollywood and isnt swept away in the wave of American Football shows he is able to think independently. Surely we can take away something from a character who breaks the mould of the everyday American, and therefore this means "The Catcher in the Rye" is as relevant today as it was when it was published in 1951. 'The Outsider' is a novel of humanity. The novel explores what it is to be human and the moral questions that surround humans. Human nature doesn’t change, and
All in all, Holden tries hiding himself from the world, but he cannot hide his ‘catcher’ dream which always direct him on a right way. Charlie, contrary to Holden, has all the qualities of a completely good boy. Pure, subtle and shy, he is just a normal boy living in his own world who is rarely noticed by others. I used to think if you let Holden meet Charlie, he would absolutely say Charlie as another pain in the ass. However, similar to Holden, Charlie has a sort of inferiority complex too. Moreover
He feels that he is surrounded by hypocrites in a school filled with fakery. Principal Thurmur, the principal of Holden’s high school of which he got kicked out of, Pencey, was the leader of the whole charade. During a teacher/parent day, Principal Thurmur would only say hello to the wealthy parents of students. He would not associate himself with those that were not financially stable, because he was fake. So taking into account the way his principal is, it just adds on to his hatred of adults
In order to convince himself that he is truly NOT following society’s expectations, Holden buys his red hunting hat because it makes him unique and totally different. Salinger uses symbolism to express both Holden’s validation of his individuality and at the same time his social anxiety. Holden wears his hat proudly and yet he is also very conscious of wearing it in front of others. The presence of the hat, therefore, mirrors the central conflict in both Paul’s and Holden’s characters: Their want
Holden and Stradlater get into a physical fight once Stradlater comes home from his date, and Holden leaves the room bloody and goes next door. Holden brought others down by acting superior and calling them names to make himself feel better. His next door roommate, Ackley, got on Holden's nerves, yet Holden still hung out with him occasionally because he felt lonely. Holden describes Ackley as unhygienic, annoying, and pathetic. Holden is faced with the harsh realities of the world, which is
Holden mourns while looking out the window and says “I felt so lonesome, all of a sudden. I almost wished I was dead” (page 48, chapter 7). This displays Holden’s suicidal thoughts when faced with a setback. Another instance that express’ Holden’s suicidal thoughts are viewed during a conflict with Maurice (a pimp in the hotel). Holden Caufield is afflicted by Maurice and entertains the thought of ending his life. “What I really felt like, though, was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out the
Holden and Napoleon are both very judgmental when comes to meeting people. Napoleon can sometimes avoid putting down people and actually give complements to people who he hangs out with like Pedro. “Pedro: Do you think people would vote for me? Napoleon: Heck yes! I’d vote for you. Pedro: Like what are my skills? Napoleon: Well, you have a sweet bike. And you're really good at hooking up with chicks. Plus you're like the only guy at school who has a mustache.” (Hess, Napoleon/ Pedro). Napoleon respects
They would go to the movie and spend the whole time critiquing it and saying what they would and wouldn’t change. The thoughts and memories of D.B. where very uplifting to Holden, and many times throughout the book Holden would of been lost if he had not had those thoughts to fall back on. Allie was one of the major factors that greatly affected Holden’s thoughts and actions. Allie, even though dead, was still on Holden’s mind and in a way assisting him in solving some of his largest problems
Although he supposedly detests what he sees he does observe a male transvestite for quite a while. Holden says, "the hotel," which he personally chose, "was lousy with perverts" (p62). While staring at the obscene acts being performed he admits that "that kind of junk is fascinating" and he wouldn't mind doing it "if the opportunity came up" (p62). Another example Holden's hypocrisy. He criticizes the 'perverts' then acknowledges he would do the same thing if he could. Holden claims to be heterosexual
Even when he was driving in his car. That killed me. I can just see the big phony bastard shifting into first gear and asking Jesus to send him a few more stiffs” (Salinger, 17). Through these instances, it is evident that both Holden and Chris have the same hatred for society because of its materialism and abundance of flaws. This suggests that there is something more to life, which will soon be analyzed. J.D. Salinger and Sean Penn accurately depict the problem with materialism in society and
In this quote, Holden has just had one of those relatable moments. | I hate saying corny things like “traveling incognito.” But when I’m with somebody that’s corny, I always act corny too. (79) | He is being a “phony.” He always calls people hypocrites when they don’t be themselves so they set another impression. | I was going to tell whoever answered the phone that I was her uncle. I was going to say her aunt had just got killed in a car accident and I had to speak to her immediately. It would’ve
However, this is something Holden cannot grasp. This dilemma is a direct result of Holden’s irrational respect for innocence, influenced by sexual confrontations in Holden’s past. When Holden agrees to have a prostitute come to his room in the hotel, he is soon greeted by Sunny at his door. Holden is immediately unimpressed with Sunny’s maturity; how she was “jiggling this one foot up and down”, she “never said thank you”, and she “had this tiny little wheeny-whiny voice” (123). He also notices
Antolini and the Nuns, he chooses to focus on the negative ones because they conform to his idea of the adult world. Again, Holden exhibits childish behavior by doing this because he is unwilling to acknowledge that his perception of the world may be skewed. Holden’s cynical nature is part of the reason why Holden associates adulthood exclusively with its negative aspects. To Holden, the adult world seems disgusting, disingenuous and harsh. In the New York Hotel, Holden is disgusted by the other
He makes a point of leaving his school before the chosen departure date. He does not like school – he does not see the purpose and he does not wish to think of the future in terms of education or a career. Holden’s older brother D.B. works in Hollywood, and he does not approve. He believes everyone in Hollywood is phony and that the film industry is ridiculous because the movies are “stupid”. Holden refers to many people as phonies. He does not like progression, he hates that the times are changing
Throughout the novel Holden struggles with his desire to keep children innocent and unadulterated. But ultimately, he fails. Another symbol is the Museum. This place becomes a symbol of inevitable change that all people go through as they become adults and the permanence that Holden desires. Holden’s issue isn’t with physically getting older, it’s with the mental changes and loss of innocence that occur when one becomes an adult. Holden suggests this when he says, “The only thing that would be
This proves Holden is not an ideal role model, because his world is built upon lies, and there is no truth in anything he does. “I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. It's awful. If I'm on my way to the store to buy a magazine, even, and somebody asks me where I'm going, I'm liable to say I'm going to the opera. It's terrible.” (Salinger 16) Holden's ability to lie is one of the first traits that he reveals about himself (G.S). He takes pride in saying that he is a good liar. His
“I'm always saying 'Glad to have met you' to somebody but I'm not at all glad I met him” (87). Even if Holden showed some respect for the people he had just met, he did not really mean it. He felt obligated to say it, but it was not something truthful. In both these examples, Holden proves his dishonesty and how much of a hypocrite he really is. Throughout the book Holden seemed confused of what he really is and many times called himself something he was not. In chapter 5 Holden stated he was
One change he has to make is learning how to apply himself at one aspect of his life. He did not strive to do well at Pencey and that has led him down the wrong path. Often when one does not apply themselves at school, it can spread to other areas of their life. Holden may soon not try hard at anything else he does, hence prolonging the eminent fall he is “riding for.” Holden must be able to learn from his failure and change in order to avoid future mistakes that may follow. So far the only way
As a reader people do not want to be offended or feel uncomfortable while they are reading something. I personally felt offended by this, I felt offended because as a church going person I have been taught not to use the Lord’s name in vain. To other religious people he or she may additionally feel this way. Also, as I have already said it may make someone feel uncomfortable. He or she may feel uncomfortable because they may not talk this way, so they do not want to read about a character like Holden
The citation also defines how Holden is but it mirrors Sigmund Freud’s theory of the unconscious. To Freud, “the unconscious contains primitive sexual and aggressive impulses as well as memories of troubling emotional experiences (e.g traumatizing events) or ideas…” (Nevid 469). It demonstrates how Holden remembers this painful situation, and decides to share it with the readers and gives us an illustration on what kind of person he truly is. The unconscious mind can make you have the most deepest
For example, the false character when lying to Mr. Spencer about going to the gym to clear everything out before leaving, is Holden. Once again we see this falsehood, when he tries to hit on some women in a bar, despite thinking the girls are not particularly extraordinary women. Exemplifying this phony behavior as well, is when our puerile character is telling Sunny, (the prostitute) that after all, he could not do "it" with her because of a "broken spinal canal". In summary, it is in fact hypocritical
Many times throughout the novel Holden finds himself thinking about her and wanting to all her, but does not claiming he does not want his parents to find out about his expulsion through her mother. This is a similar circumstance to ‘The Truman Show’. Truman spends his life thinking about a girl he had not seen for years and often considers seeking her out although his fears prevent him from doing so. Holden’s perception of others is very judgemental. The word “phoney” is used many times throughout
Realizing what a real phony and liar people bound to be growing up, he decides to avoids the real world Being an adult is to have expectations and responsibilities growing up. When Holden comes up to a situation, he cannot deal with it, always avoiding or making excuses. His job as an adolescent teenager was to finish school with good grades. Unable to do that, he dishes back and forth, going to different schools, only to fail again. After failing Pency, Mr. Spencer, Holden's old history
In chapter 5, Holden says, “I started playing golf when I was only ten years old. I remember once, the summer I was around twelve, teeing off and all, and having a hunch that if I turned around all of a sudden, I'd see Allie. So I did, and sure enough, he was sitting on his bike outside the fence--there was this fence that went all around the course--and he was sitting there, about a hundred and fifty yards behind me, watching me tee off. That's the kind of red hair he had.” This quote explains
I tossed the ball to Selma like how I did to Allie when I was little. When she tossed it back, I froze and all of a sudden, memories of Allie came flooding back. Out of nowhere, a ball knocked me out. It wasn’t a hard throw, but I just couldn’t get up. Then many god damn voices I heard as a kid came rushing back... “Holden, are ya ready to catch the ball? Are ya? I’m gonna throw it hard!” “Holden, I’m so sorry, but Allie is dead from leukemia.” “We’re brothers forever, don’t ya never forget that
Holden is always worried about what happens to the ducks in the winter and wonders where they go and whether or not they freeze to death. What’s up with that? Compose an argument about the overall significance of Holden’s obsession with the ducks. What do they represent for Holden? What does his obsession suggest about his character? Youth & Curiosity Ducks = Holden’s Life Hardship Where can he go to escape? Safe Haven Hope that he will survive Will he get help? Mother Nature doesn’t care 11. There
He tries to escape into a series of ideal worlds (trowbridge p.22). Although he himself is guilty of the phoniness he sees in others, he does not see it in himself. He differs however in that he still has genuinely passionate feelings that have atrophied in what we would now call conformist clones. (French 65) Most of the characters in Huck Finn influence Huck in a negative way. at home, people keep trying to "sivilize" him. On the river, all the people he meets try to seduce him into a materialistic
Holden goes on to say, “I hardly didn’t even know I was doing it” (Salinger 1994:34). Holden never really accepts that Allie is gone as he talks to Allie in chapter 14 after Sunny, the prostitute, has left his room “I felt so depressed, you can’t imagine. What I did, I started talking, sort of out loud, to Allie.” (Salinger 1994:89) and again in chapter 25 while he is hallucinating that between the curbs the road disappears and he falls into a black hole and he speaks to Allie to keep him safe while