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. 

Poems- "Sorting Laundry"

"Sorting Laundry"

By: Elisavietta Ritchie

"Folding clothes, I think of folding you into my life (Lines 1-3)." As the opening lines to the poem, this simple sentence establishes the theme and key literary technique used throughout the poem. For, this line reveals the metaphor of laundry and the speakers love. 

Within the poem, the key imagery is the laundry. Most importantly, though, is the white shirt which had belonged to the former lover. With the image of the shirt, the psychological association is formed as the speaker associates the clothes as connected with separation and fears that such separation will occur in the speaker's relationship. The length of the poem additionally stresses and illustrates this metaphor. For, the long length suggests an overstatement just as an overstatement is presented when describing the laundry as a "mountain."

By use of metaphor and imagery, the principle idea of sorting through one's emotions within a relationship is established. In sorting through these emotions, the speaker feels as though they are climbing a mountain of uncertainties and must constantly take the next step and try to make it to the top to ensure that the relationship does not separate. Thus, in the image of laundry is established the speakers love.

Poem- "Acquainted with the Night"

"Acquainted with the Night"

By: Robert Frost

"I have been one acquainted with the night (Page 976)." As an epanalepsis or phrase repeated both at the beginning and end of the poem, this phrase serves a crucial meaning of revealing the meaning. Throughout the poem, the speaker wonders through the night. By wondering, the reader becomes "acquainted" or familiar with the night but is never truly close and connected with it. By using the pronoun, one, the speaker remains distant and keeps separation from the identity and contentedness of knowing the night. The true importance of the line, however, is revealed in its repetition. First revealed in the title, the phrase suggests the relevance and importance of the speaker's connection with the night. In introducing the poem, the phrase provides an induction to the night itself. Yet, it is in the third repetition, that the true significance is stressed. Just as in the saying, "the third time is the charm," the third time truly becomes the charm by ending the night as the "luminary clock" or moon runs out of time and disappears and the speaker moves on by fate. 

Poems- "Batter my heart, three-person God"

"Batter my heart, three-person God"

By: John Donne

Strategically written as a sonnet, the structure of the poem helps to reveal the meaning of the poem. Each quatrain, four lines of a poem considered a unit, represents a different aspect of a person's connection to God. As a result of the structure, the paradox and central focal point of the poem is revealed. 

The paradox, "Take me to you, imprison me, for I, except you enthrall me, never shall be free, nor ever chaste, except you ravish me (Lines 12-14)." Upon first reading the lines, the poem phrase seems to be self-contradictory, but in fact reveals a truth. In the statement, the speaker begs to be "imprisoned" as they claim that without being forced to turn to and focus on God, they will not be able to leave their marriage to the devil. By stating that God must "enthrall" the speaker, the reader initially sees a contradiction from the previous statement. Yet, it is by enthralling and "ravishing" that the speaker will be inclined to stay and focus on God. 

Just as the structure reveals a paradox, so to does the structure reveal the love within the poem. For, sonnets, typically devised to present a change and express emotions, is used as the structure of this poem to describe the speakers change in love and focus from Satan to God. Thus, the poem itself is a paradox of being married to Satan, but seeking to love God. 

Poems-The Convergence of the Twain

"The Convergence of the Twain"

By: Thomas Harding

The powerful poem written about the loss succumbed in the drowning of the Titanic describes not only the ship itself, but the see and iceberg as well. Through such imagery, the poem describes the events of the sinking of the ship and contrasts the grandeur of the ship itself to the ultimate fate it faces.  Most importantly, however, the poem uses symbolism to develop a deeper meaning of the "sinking" of human vanity and pride. 

Such a symbol as the connection between the Titanic ship and humans is particularly evident in the final line of the poem which states, "And consummation comes, and jars two hemispheres (Line 33)." In this line, the symbolism of the ship and people is fully established and clear as the two hemispheres represent the Americas and the European nations. In the sinking, both hemispheres were greatly impacted just as people in both hemispheres experience sinking in pride, nature, and vanity. For, as the Titanic was supposed to be one of humanity's grandest inventions, its sinking represented the sinking of man's confidence in his ability. With the loss of such grandeur is the theme of man's superficial desires for material riches which when lost, only sink to the grotesque coldness of worms in the darkness of the sea. Thus, it is in the poem of the Titanic that man is reminded once more to live with an apt for learning from one's sunken past. 

Gender Unit- Barbie Doll

"Barbie Doll"

By: Marge Piercy

In society, gender is constantly  classified and idealized. People are challenged to conform to social expectations and fulfill what is expected of them according to their gender. "Barbie Doll" by Marge Piercy analyzes this ideal quality by presenting the challenges women face in patriarchal society to conform to the expectations of them as women. 

The poem, divided into different sections, presents news ideas in each. For, in the first section, the traditional image of the barbie, the idea woman instilled in ideas of children as a toy, is presented. This stanza not only describes her looks, but also her actions and the way a woman is expected to be. Then, however, the real image of a living girl is presented with all of her flaws. The young girl, seen as having a big nose and fat legs, never measures up to the barbie doll expectations and gender role. In the final section, this pressure to conform leads to the an ultimate death. Ironically, this death leads people to describe the woman in the casket as beautiful although first seen as traditional and with flaws. While the irony of this statement hangs over the reader, I believe the statement serves an important role. For, through the ironic statement, the reader can infer that "To every woman a happy ending (836)," the narrator is not only referring to happiness, but the relief of not having to conform to social standings. I believe the death presented could serve as an metaphor for the escape of women from the patriarchal demands of conforming to freedom. 

Gender Unit- Poem Comparison

"To His Coy Mistress"                                       "To His Importunate Mistress"

By: Andrew Marvell                                             By: Peter De Vries              

As a satire, "To His Importunate Mistress" makes fun of and ridicules aspects of Andrew Marvell's writing and attempt to change the gender expectations. Marvell's poem, one of romance and love for a "coy" and shy mistress, is ridiculed and transformed into a poem about an "importunate" and int eruptive woman. In such a change, the two poems create drastically different meanings, but flow from a similar idea.

"This coyness, lady were no crime (Line 2)." The phrase by Andrew Marvell is used to reassure his mistress of his endless love for her even in her shyness and uncertainty. This phrase, however, is converted into completely different version with new meaning when a few words are changed by Peter De Vries in his satire. For, he states, "My coyness, lady, were a crime (Line 2)." While Marvell used the line to illustrate and establish the idea of endless love, De Vries uses it to suggest that distractions keep him from this love. Continuing within the satire, Marvell uses analogies of biblical and religious aspects as well as a garden and empire to illustrate his undying love. Yet, De Vries describes analogies such as marble and suite as love only to please himself. 

It is by these contrasts that the satire of De Vries is used to criticize the perfect love expressed in Marvel's poem. Through both poems, a connection to gender issues is made. While poem of De Vries satires Marvell's poem of explaining how men can take advantage of women, Marvell's poem stands strong against the ridicule to illustrate how men can be loyal and loving of their wives. Just as light contrasts with darkness, so does De Vries's poem as it satirizes Marvell's. 

Gender Unit- A Jury of Her Peers

"A Jury of Her Peers"

By: Susan Glaspell

Told from a third person omniscient point of view, "A Jury of Her Peers" presents a short story of gender roles and varying themes. The omniscient point of view, due to its ability to present such themes, becomes crucially important to the presentation of the story. For, because of the style, the narrator tells the story by focusing on one character, mostly Mrs. Martha Hale, to present the views of that character while knowing everything about many of the other characters.

In the short story, the narrator's ability to see and discover the intentions of the other characters from the view of an omniscient overseer is valuable in determining and understanding the complexity of the story. For, from this view the reader is able to see the theme of gender roles. Looking from both the male and the female perspective, the narrator presents the idea that men see the job of women as simply performing house chores while women view it as more complex and challenging. From the view of Mrs. Hale, another theme arises. That theme is the idea of "Things begun-and not finished (416)." This is a constant challenge for Mrs. Hale as she struggles with seeing things unfinished and unclean. In response to this idea, another theme is addressed. The theme of "A person gets discouraged and loses heart (417)," suggests a reason why such tasks at times go undone. For, without heart one is unable to complete the task and thus is unable to fulfill their gender role. 

Gender Unit- Hunters in the Snow

"Hunters in the Snow"

By: Tobias Wolff

Judged, uncertain, and afraid. Such qualities are those that define the protagonist, Tub. For, Tub is a man easily effected by others and not always seen for who he truly is. Although a man of large size, he expresses and is characterized by the emotional qualities often associated with females. In the short story, "Hunters in the Snow" Tub's qualities slow him down, make him feel vulnerable, and eventually lead to the path taken by the characters. 

Tub's focus on emotions and feelings is not only what leads him to shoot Kenny, but also what distracts Frank and Tub from taking Kenny directly to the hospital. Rather than rushing straight there, the "friends" forget about their injured acquaintance to discuss and reconnect over each other's problems. Thus, the short stories central focus is not Kenny's health, but the path they took. This path is directed by the protagonists' actions which leads the characters down a different path than initially believed. Yet, this shift in direction was suggested by the uncertainty foreshadowed in Frank's secret of the babysitter which appears sporadically throughout the tale. Due to this foreshadowing, it is not a surprise when the short story ends with the phrase, "They had taken a different turn a long way back (Page 201)." For, as seen in the characters' own lives, none of the men had taken the same path, but rather had turned long before they themselves even realized it. 

Do to the uncertainty of the character's own paths, the path's of the three men is left uncertain except for the reference to path of the north star. This hint, left to the readings of astrology and the symbolism of the north star as the sailor's help, suggests that the path they took and the journey they are on is not to the hospital. Rather, it is in the reference to the sailor's help that I believe Kenny is sailing into the path of death.. 

Othello-Act 5

"Othello" 

By: William Shakespeare

"Of one not jealous  but, being wrought, perplexed in the extreme; of one whose hand, like  the base Indian, threw a pearl away richer than all his tribe (V.ii.345-346)." This simile and connection of an Indian throwing away richness for the richness of his tribe is a beautiful representation of the message presented in the book. 

Rather than taking richness of an individual, one should look for the honesty and truth of their way. In reading this simile, I was reminded of the short story, "The Pearl." The central message of this short book was that richness does not always satisfy one's needs, but rather, can remove one from those closest to them. Similarly, richness does not buy Roderigo Desdemona's love. Richness in cunning ways does not buy Iago happiness in life. Richness of knowing the complete truth of Desdemona's love keeps him from understanding her absolute loyalty. Thus, richness does not measure or compare to that of one's tribe. As a result of each character's rich quality or aspect, they become blinded by reality and the cunning scheme which has turned them all against each other. In the end, this blindness leads to the death of Roderigo, Desdemona, Emilia, and Othello. 

Othello- Act 5

"Othello" 

By: William Shakespeare

Characterization, throughout Shakespeare's writings, often begins on the very first page. Thus, from the very beginning, one has seen the qualities of the central characters and watched as they change and transform. One such dynamic character, a character that changes in an important way, is Emilia.

In the beginning of the play, Emilia is seen as a loyal wife. She defends her husband, willingly doing what he wishes. Upon first seeing Desdemona's handkerchief, rather than returning it to Desdemona, she gives it to her husband, knowing that was a position he has longed for. In this last act, however, her loyalty shifts. She knows that she should obey Iago, but consciously chooses not to. For example, she states, "'Tis proper I obey him, but not now. Perchance, Iago, I will ne'er go home (V.ii.195-196).'" In this line, upon understanding that Iago was the cause.  Everything that once was clear and light, now becomes dark and the darkness bright. 

Othello- Act 4

"Othello" 

By: William Shakespeare

Foreshadowing. One of the most prevalent and common techniques used throughout Shakespearean writing.  A technique that involves the reader, directs their thoughts, and suggests possibilities. A writing style that takes careful planning which allows the story to develop realistically and aiding in the reader's connection to the piece. 

"'Let nobody blame him, his scorn I approve- (IV.iii.50)'" Throughout Shakespeare's writing, foreshadowing is used to allow the most involved reader to look analytically at the writing while those less focused to simply ride along until the end. As Desdemona sings the line above, she unknowingly suggests that she will not blame Othello for the accusations he makes towards her. Despite the cruelty such comments will lead to, her love is stronger and she will see his true character behind his own blind confusion. The phrase suggests that despite Othello's own lack of trust, she trusts in him and in his love. She knows that something is wrong that has caused him to not see her love or even his own, but yet she does not turn away from him, but rather sings of always staying true to him. She sings of being loyal unto the end. The end led to by death. 

  

Othello - Act 4

"Othello"

By: William Shakespeare

"If that the earth could team with a woman's tears, each drop she falls would prove a crocodile (IV.i.229-230)." This allusion, a reference common among Shakespeare's writings and prevalent throughout historic anecdotes, establishes a deep imagery and meaning.  According to the myth, alligators cry when eating their pray. This, however, has been proven wrong as alligators lack the ability to cry. In connection to Shakespeare's reference, Othello is begging Desdemona not to shed tears as she eats her pray, or, breaks Othello's heart. Othello sees Desdemona's tears as fake and insensitive just as an alligator's are fake and nonexistent  Yet, her tears are true and meaningful. Thus, the allusion to a crocodile's tears becomes ironic in that all though crocodiles can not shed tears, Desdemona sheds those representing her heart. She sheds her sadness as her marital relationship falls apart from missing trust and lack of  understanding. She sheds her forgiveness as she does not blame her husband, but accepts his accusations knowing they are false. Through the use of the allusion to crocodile tears, Shakespeare establishes meaning of greater depth and value throughout his works. As a common reference thus appearing in "Henry VI" and "Antony and Cleopatra", crocodile tears come to show true character in his masterpieces and works.