Holden Bowler

rules." The quote comes from the novel "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger and takes place in Mr. Spencer's house. Holden is leaving Pencey, but before he does he visits his history teacher Mr. Spencer to say good bye. The meeting lasts longer than expected and Holden finds himself stuck listening to Mr. Spencer lecture him after going over his essay. Mr. Spencer describes to Holden that "life is a game" and is made up of rules in which should always be followed. This contradicts Holden's…

Holden Caulfield, protagonist of the novel The Catcher in the Rye, has the disease Post Dramatic Stress Disorder, commonly shortened to PTSD. Holden has constantly showed indisputable evidence to show that he has this disease. These include anxiety, flashbacks of traumatic events,hostility and agitation,substance abuse, feelings of mistrusts, depression, and suicidal thoughts. According to reliable sources such as Mayo Clinic, Anxiety and Depression Associates of America, and The National…

The Phony’s Truth Throughout The Catcher in the Rye the reader can quickly come to the conclusion of Holden Caulfield’s love of criticizing others and calling them “phonies”, when in reality Holden is as much as a phony, and maybe ever more, than all of them. This is because of his continuous habit of lying to everyone and anyone, even in situations where it is not necessary. He is an unreliable narrator, and keeping up with what is true and what is not, may be a little challenging. His…

The Rye by J.D. Salinger, the main character Holden Caulfield, is a teenager who is rich but suffering from societal problems. Throughout the book, Holden struggles with the idea of children realizing that the world isn’t how they imagined it to be as they grow up. He believes that future generations of kids will grow up as he did, and lose their innocence. Holden has matured throughout the book. He has grown from an immature kid to a mature adult. Holden wanted to make something out of his life…

phone booth represents all the choices that Holden has to make and his struggle he has while making the choice. The phone booth can help the reader comprehend how hard it is for Holden to make a choice. For example, Holden always debates on who he should call when he is in the phone booth. The person Holden usually wants to call is busy, therefore, he usually calls any random person he remembers from his old schools. Throughout the whole story, Holden puts himself in difficult situations…

of relationships and intimacy Holden attempts. Salinger also shows the role of sexuality and how Holden’s sexual relationships differ from his nonsexual. Salinger comments upon a postmodern family and its meaning to the protagonist. Salinger also shows characterization through Holden Caulfield and shows his views upon humanity. He also shows symbolism throughout the novel. One of Humanity’s desires is pleasure and intimacy and Salinger shows this through Holden. Holden was offered a…

civilized society. A growing teenager’s life is hectic enough without the struggle of an external force; being society. In J.D. Salinger’s, The Catcher in the Rye, the protagonist Holden attempts to walk the line between preserving his individuality, and pushing the boundaries of social norms and societal unity. Through Holden, Salinger portrays the idea that conforming to social norms leads to a loss of individualism. Holden’s journey of self-discovery and testing of societal norms further…

becoming a doctor, astronaut, or even a dancer. On the other hand, many adults would love to go back and relive their childhood days over. No worries, bills, stress, just carefree living. J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, is told through the eyes of Holden Caulfield. A teenager who has had his fair share of trouble growing up, and wants more than anything is for someone to understand him. He wants to be grown, yet he hates everything about the “adult world”. Throughout Catcher in the Rye,…

J. D. Salinger’s continuous references to falling symbolize a more corrupt fall Holden fears ― adulthood. Throughout the story, Holden tries to prevent this ruinous incline, but ultimately he cannot avoid it forever. He seems to stumble right before events that introduce him to the adult world. For example, before leaving Pencey Prep, Holden “damn near [falls] on [his] head” (Salinger 46) in Ackley’s room, and as he answers the door for Sunny, he “[falls] over [his suitcase]” (93). Leaving a…

Salinger, the reader is introduced to Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of the novel. Though Holden makes questionable decisions, he operates on a strong moral structure. This moral structure includes his protectiveness and admiration for his siblings, his ability to protect the feelings of others, even if it means lying to them, and his need to preserve childhood innocence. Holden’s siblings help guide his morals throughout the course of the novel. For example, Holden making the decision to…