Holden Caulfield spent most of the first and second acts of J.D. Salinger's novel, The Catcher in the Rye, desperately trying to find his calling in life. The book's narrative began shortly after Holden's expulsion from Pencey Prep, as he again veered off the path to a prestigious college and a suitable job set for him and the other 'high-class kids'. Holden decided to avoid his parents by going to New York, and although he arranged dates and socialized on multiple occasions, he internally derided
the brilliant author behind The Catcher in the Rye, gives us a deep perspective about his novel by showing the true feelings behind the complex character who is Holden Caulfield. Salinger was born on January 1, 1919 in New York City and became a world renowned author after the creation of his first novel, The Catcher in the Rye. In 1942, Salinger was drafted into the army after the invasion of Pearl Harbor where he devised multiple chapters about Holden Caulfield’s character. Although Salinger employed
The universally acclaimed novel, The Catcher in The Rye, has confounded critics and readers alike. It is an extremely controversial literary work, navigating the oftentimes murky waters of human sexuality, emotions, and sense of belonging. Throughout J.D. Salinger’s coming-of-age tale, themes of alienation and isolation are displayed prevalently. Salinger writes Holden’s character as one who is isolated from his peers; he is withdrawn into his own mind. Holden’s isolation from society and alienation
Holden’s life in The Catcher and the Rye has been a perpetual struggle followed by renounced feelings with no optimism. He lives life with a brass face and hides how he really feels deep within. Readers never truly acquire the full picture of Holden Caulfield until the completion of the novel. He never allows us to see his hidden demons until he is overtaken by them with his fall from grace. Loss, is a continuous battle Holden must face on a day to day grind. Whether it is Holden’s younger brother
D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye follows Holden Caulfield’s coming-of-age journey. The novel opens after his expulsion from Pencey Prep when he travels back to his home in New York City. Holden begins to face his fears of losing innocence, the death of his brother, and his inability to connect with people. After he breaks down, he begins to rebuild himself following Phoebe’s carousel ride and when she puts his red hunting cap on his head. During the course of the book, Holden goes from his lowest
D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, the author uses recurring symbols to help form major themes throughout the novel. The story focuses on a sixteen year old boy, Holden Caulfield, who has just been expelled from his third school. Holden decides to leave his school, Pency Prep early and stays in New York for three days to pass the time. There he begins to see recurring symbols that all together develope from items into symbols reflecting Holden’s self and mindset. As Holden spends his three days