The Catcher in the Rye 8

"The Catcher in the Rye"

By: J.D. Salinger

In the final pages of the novel, paradoxes arise constantly as the novel's true themes and messages surrounding society are brought to the forefront. Such paradoxes challenge one to analyze the text in its full context, seeking to understand every word's connection to the others. Expressed within the short paradoxical phrases are the wisdom most influential within the novel.

"'The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one (188).'" At first appearing contradictory, the previous phrase offered as advice to Holden form Mr. Antolini suggests that Holden's idea of humbleness and humility in life is good when used correctly and for the right reason. For, Holden can't simply live in such a manner and let life pass him by, but rather should live in such a manner and influence life by living humbly for a cause. Such seemingly seems to be difficult for Holden to understand as he states in the closing of the novel, "Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody (214)." For, he struggles with the idea of living and not dying for a cause. Instead of throwing his life away, he struggles to see that by telling his story, he can influence others. Thus, this final line appears paradoxical as it appears contradictory, but contains truth. In telling his story, Holden hopes to escape from reality and to form understanding of how he can live humbly for a cause, yet, in doing so, he realizes his own connection to the world and those around him. He finds that everyone has a cause and a purpose they are living for, and such a cause is what, someday, they strive humbly to die for. 

In the pages of the book, Holden has no sudden awakening and experiences no absurd change, but rather he grows in understanding of himself, his cause, and the innocence of those around him. He sees that the world, though phony, contains truthfulness and purity in the children everywhere. He sees that their first steps, are steps unto their glorious and humble end. 

The Catcher in the Rye 7

"The Catcher in the Rye"

By: J.D. Salinger

Emotions are one of the strongest and most powerful forms of expression. Shown through the gentleness of a sweet smile or the painful drips of tears, emotions express true feelings, thoughts, and concerns. Uncontrolled and unlimited, emotions are the most honest form of communication and expression when faced with conflict.

As a character of immense defense mechanisms who protects against any revelations of himself, Holden shows little emotion throughout the novel. Yet, sparingly within the novel, his emotions shine through in the powerful form of tears. For, at least four times within the novel, Holden cries. He cries at the injustices of the world such as theft and lying. Additionally, he cries for the youth of the world who are faced with such injustice and must choose between corruption and positive action. Specifically, he cries because of the generosity and innocence of his sister who helps Holden by giving him all that she has. He additionally cries at her true and genuine love and happiness as he watchers her on the carousel. In watching her he says, "I was damn near bawling, I felt so damn happy, if you want to know the truth (213)." It is in seeing the happiness expressed through the innocence of youth that Holden experiences true happiness and no longer cries of depression at the corruption of the world. Most influentially, Holden cries over the conflict, the struggle between opposing forces or characters, as he cries for the loss of innocence among youth as they transition into adults. 

The above song, "World Cry," describes someone crying for the problems of the world and struggling to understand why such problems exist. Just as Holden feels, the song expresses confusion on how to live to change such sadness into  the happiness expressed by innocence and youth. 

The Catcher in the Rye 6

"The Catcher in the Rye"

By: J.D. Salinger

"I'd just be a catcher in the rye and all (173)." In being faced with the task and thought of the future, Holden must embrace the idea that without an education, he must find other ways to make a means for himself. By thinking of prospects, he must also gain understanding of himself and why education does not fit his beliefs. In looking at such ideas, Holden realizes that in searching for a future, he must take action without seeking recognition, but good.

"If a body meet a body, comin' through the rye (173)." This phrase from a song and poem by Robert Burns is repeated twice throughout the novel and once as the title of the novel itself. It is this phrase that serves as the most stressed symbol of the novel and which inspires Holden and gives him understanding of himself. For, he realizes that he wants to someday be the catcher in the rye who saves children from going over a cliff. This is significant as it connects once more to the theme of children and adults. For, Holden sees helping youth by saving them when no one sees as true acts of goodness that escape any and all phoniness. This idea is the focus of the song which analyzes action in private versus that in the public eye. In Holden's view, he believes he should live in the shadows to save children before they are corrupted by the knowledge of adulthood. 

The Catcher in the Rye 5

"The Catcher in the Rye"

By: J.D. Salinger

As the book has progressed, so too have the characters. In the beginning, little was known about those closest to Holden, such as his family. Yet, beginning with Chapter 21, the novel shifts as Holden directly characterizes his family. Through his family, Holden himself is indirectly characterized and comes to be known more personally by the reader. 

The chapter first begins by describing his mother who is characterized as being constantly nervous and apprehensive. In contrast, his father is then latter described strong willed. Thus, while Holden's mother can be pictured as weak and vulnerable to herself, his father is seen as powerful and intimidating. Such dispositions substantially impact Holden as he sees the insecurities of adults, as represented by his mother, contrasted against their "phony" exteriors, as illustrated by Holden's father, the lawyer. Most influential to the characterization of Holden, however, is his younger sister, Phoebe. For, Phoebe portrays the innocence of youth and the happiness that comes with such genuineness. This true loyalty to the world and one's self as illustrated in her affectionate quality and intelligence, portrays Holden's idea of how all people should be. It is conversations with such an open person that challenges him to understand how good people can die young like his brother, Allie. It is such honesty in action that joins people together and prevents "phoniness" in life. 

As the novel has progressed, Holden seems to grow increasingly depressed. Yet, it is the time spent with his sister in which Holden expresses the first hint of happiness. He states "I felt swell, for a change (159." Through such innocence as his sister, Holden is able to re-grasp himself and his world. 

The Catcher in the Rye 4

"The Catcher in the Rye"

By: J.D. Salinger

The most crucial element of a story is the words with which it is told. In J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" diction act as the most defining literary technique. Conversational, repetitive, and informal, the diction illustrates the education level and qualities of Holden. Additionally, it presents similes and irony. 

Repetition is used constantly throughout the novel. One of the most repeated phrases is, "That killed me." Written on multiple pages within each chapter (Ex. 55, 67,68,74,77,80, 86, 87, etc.). If interpreted literally  one would assume that Holden had actually died, but in truth, the phrase serves as an ironic exaggeration. Other techniques constantly used throughout the work include contrast such as in the phrase "old Phoebe (Page 68)." In truth, Phoebe is only in elementary school, yet Holden once more presents an exaggeration. Further exaggerations are found in the similes which include the description of knowing Jane like a book (76) and of describing women as violins (93). The constant use of exaggerations such as those presented in the literary techniques and those found in Holden's own lies to other characters suggests that the reader must look critically at the story and analyze it with an understanding of the perception it is drawn from. For, exaggerations can distort

 details and thus the story itself.  

The Catcher in the Rye 3

"The Catcher in the Rye"

By: J.D. Salinger

Symbolism is a technique used throughout countless literary works, artistic representations, and masterful crafts. Symbolism is a source of deeper meaning and extrapolation that allows a reader to delve deeper into a piece. Symbolism is a means of depth and diversity. 

One such symbol that provides deeper meaning and allows for interpretation is the constant questioning and curiosity of the ducks in central park.  Each time upon entering a taxi and traveling through the city, Holden asks the driver if they know where the birds go when the Central Park pond freezes over. Each time there are difference answers such as, "The fish don't go no place (Page 82)," which suggests that just life the fish, the birds never leave. Similarly, Holden's curiosity can be compared to the birds as his curiosity takes him beyond the pond and allows him to explore unlike the fish. Holden's situation of needing to find a supportable environment corresponds with that of the birds in the winter, illustrating that he too needs safety and nourishment. Since birds migrate, Holden also migrates through life making change, but reverting back and traveling from an innocent youth to a mature adults. 

Another such symbol is the red hat. The hat, in the way it is warn and described represents Holden and his life. Warn backwards and different than how most people wear such a hat, the hat suggests that Holden is a rebel of social expectations. Additionally, the hat serves as a comfort object for Holden, warn in the times of uncertainty. The color also establishes meaning as red is constantly mentioned as connected with those he has formed close bonds to such as his younger siblings. 

The Catcher in the Rye 2

"The Catcher in the Rye"

By: J.D. Salinger

"All you knew was, you were happy (Page 79)." This simple phrase draws a powerful and complex connection in connecting Jane Gallagher with Holden. For, despite their differences, the two characters share a similarity in feelings and connections. 

The phrase above presents the emotions felt by Holden while in the presence of Jane Gallagher. Both, when together feel happiness and enjoy the time together, but when a part, are confronted by the troubles of life and challenges before them. As Jane feels separated from her family so too does Holden. Thus, each finds stability and satisfaction in each other and share in a deep connection to one another while many other characters seem to act as foils to the two of their personalities. For example, Stradlater, Holden's roommate  acts as a foil to Holden in manner, personality, and interest. While Holden and Jane share in a respect for one another and others, Stradlater is characterized as someone who takes advantage of women and focuses on himself. Thus, within the webbing of characters is a ring of both similarities and differences, characters alike and foils. 

The Catcher in the Rye 1

"The Catcher in the Rye"

By: J.D. Salinger

The point of view in which a story is told directs the credibility of the plot, the reader's point of view, and the tale itself. Everything presented in such narration is controlled and determined by the narrator. Thus, the narrator controls the ideas, action, views, and story. 

Holden Caulfield, the narrator of "The Catcher in the Rye," controls the story and the information the reader knows by presenting the information from a first person point of view. In this narration form, Holden takes powerful control over the plot by strictly analyzing others by looking at their weaknesses and flaws. For example, Holden states "I didn't give a damn how I looked (Page 53)." This phrase not only presents the form of narration as first person, but also Holden's control of the perception of himself. By controlling the presentation of the views, Holden forms a defense by presenting himself gradually by slowly revealing his past and describing himself. Yet, it is in the telling of the story that Holden reveals a particular defining quality of himself. Despite his strengths, his character flaw is the weakness of constantly and uncontrollably telling lies even in situations of little importance. This downfall, presented by Holden's narration and thus, directs the credibility of the plot, the reader's perception, and the tale.