The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, is a novel that gives one a glimpse into the life of Holden, a troubled 16 year old boy. The novel does not necessarily have a happy ending, but it does, however, provide closure. Some books don't complete their thought fully, and the reader is left with a misperception of the novel. One wonders if he/she missed some crucial point in the novel. J.D. Salinger brings his book to an end and, in my opinion, sums The Catcher in the Rye up quite agreeably. Cliff
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make us human, the feelings that can reveal our true values. Holden Caulfield, from J.D. Salinger’s Catcher In The Rye, seems like the type of guy that wouldn’t be able to feel sympathy. He has many faults, like depression, excessive lying, suicidal thoughts, and more, that could interfere with compassion. He also tends to cover up his emotions to not convey any true feelings. However, this is not the case. There are many instances of Holden showing compassion and pity which show his foremost value
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characters Holden and Mud. Salinger and Gowdy tell the stories of youth suffering from the loss of their innocence in similar ways but both uniquely saddening. In the novels the main characters are forced to mature far too early in their lives, causing loss of innocence and harm to their older selves. Sadly, Holden and Mud endure the absence of parents, the expectation that they engage in sexual activity and the death of loved ones at such young ages. Throughout the novels, both Holden and Mud do
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loneliness from the main character Holden. “I was crying and all. I don't know why, but I was. I guess it was because I was feeling so damn depressed and lonesome.” (Salinger 153). His
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their friends, but there Holden was, stuck in his room on yet another weekend with nothing to do. What a great start to the weekend. In Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger presents the idea that to alienate oneself, although it helps to preserve previous relationships, is often not beneficial to one’s mental well-being. This is shown throughout the book as Holden isolates himself in order to maintain an unchanged relationship and reputation, but this only causes himself harm. Holden keeps to himself in
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norms you were not going to fit in. Holden in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye is one of those people that did not fit into the society of the time period and had to suffer because of this. Holden’s red hunting hat in J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye is used to symbolize Holden’s individuality and true self that Holden only shows in isolation. This red hunting hat is significant in showing Holden’s self-confidence throughout his four day trek. Holden is only really able to express
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with the the book Catcher in the Rye, that is only half true. In the book the main character Holden cannot stand celebrities because he thinks that they are “phonies” and doesn't like the world revolving around their news. That central idea that Holden believes in is completely opposite of Chapman's mind set. “I thought that by killing him I would acquire his fame.” This act made Chapman a celebrity which Holden would not want
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book also contains lessons on religion, intolerance, and respect. Holden is very hateful and disrespectful. He considers himself as an atheist because he cannot handle religion. People also say that the sexual content in this book is too much but Holden never goes into detail and he is a virgin so that reason is invalid. He has a personality that isn’t okay in the society and he knows it’s not okay and he doesn’t like it either.
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during which multiple boarding schools expel Holden, the narrator. After the headmaster of Pencey, one of these boarding schools, kicks him out, Holden tries to figure out what he wants to do with his life. After considering a plethora of possibilities, Holden decides to become the “catcher in the rye” because of his fixation with the museum at the park as well as the curse words written on the wall at his sister’s elementary school. Holden plans include nonsensical, impossible things
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Catcher in the Rye Critical Paper Pencey Prep High School expelled Holden Caulfield at 17 years old on account of flunking. He failed 4 out of 5 of his classes at Pencey Prep; the only passing grade was in English. (Salinger 4) A total of 5 prep schools have expelled Caulfield throughout his teenage years. (Sallinger 13-14) Regarding Holden’s abnormal physical appearance, he has grey hair with a statue of 62.5 inches. (Salinger 9) Holden's tendency is to resort to perverted ideas around sexual
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