How Does Holden Use Literary Devices

Within both novels, Slaughterhouse-five and The Catcher in the Rye, the authors use the presence of a Narrator. The Narration in both of these novels add a great importance to the theme in each of these novels. The way these novels are written and the stories within them are presented is important to the presence of the narrator. The authors in both of these novels are not so reliable and this also adds to the theme. The presence of these Narrators have a heavy impact on all aspects of both Slaughterhouse-five and The Catcher in the Rye.

Throughout the novel The Catcher in the Rye Holden sees the world as an evil and corrupt place, however it is clear that he gradually comes to the conclusion he cannot change it. The first instance demonstrating Holden’s progression is when he sees the profanity written all over Phoebe’s school. In this moment he finally understands that it is inevitable to enter adulthood and realizes the impossibility to try to rid even half of the profanity within the world if given a million years. The first majority of the novel displays Holden’s pessimistic view on everything in life and his desire to contain the innocence he has left. Holden’s evolution as a

Holden’s immaturity causes him many problems throughout the story. Although he is physically mature, he acts more like a child. “All of a sudden I

Throughout the novel, Holden attempts to find the true from of himself as he struggles with the social interactions around him. Due to the struggle and confusion that arouses from it,

Holden's lack of religious knowledge is not the only thing that Holden is intolerant of; he also is intolerant of most people. Holden's lack of respect for nearly

Holden is a teenager and throughout the book his attitude reflects that. You can tell by the way  he talks and thinks.this book is really all his thoughts, so similes like these really help construct Holden's character.

            Holden is quite skilled at citing exactly what is wrong with other people.  However he never acknowledges his own faults.  He was sure the entire world was out of step with him.  As Alan Stewart explains, ?Holden seemed to divide the world into two groups.  He was in one group, along with a few other people such as his little sister, Phoebe, and

Overall, many people around Holden influences him in a negative way by causing Holden to view the world as a shallow and cruel world leading Holden to struggle for instance the "phonies" around him and Allie. However, there are important people around him who influences Holden in a positive way by changing how his impression of the world such as

Re-reading much of the first portion, the acridity is mellowed, but still there, yet perhaps with a bit of fear mixed in. Because reading the book, Holden starts from a hyperbolic depiction of a child in pain, yet over time the image softens, softens until I'm not sure whether or not Holden is so outlandish. The Holden of the first portion is a bit dramatic and rare, but the Holden of the second portion is seen so commonly around us. Writing this, and well reading this as well, has given me the language to explain feelings I myself haven't ever had the words for. It has given me words to describe experiences and thoughts which I was not sure how to put into words.

(LD) Allusion/Irony: Holden makes a reference to the Bible with the Disciples and how it annoys him. He knows stories and events that happened in the Bible and feels the need to pray but it ironic because he is an atheist, who is a person who doesn’t believe in any religion. He says he likes Jesus but doesn’t like the Disciples because the way they acted toward Jesus before knowing the fact he was actually Jesus they hadn’t done much until they found out and changed from that point. He refers to the Bible and shows that people choose if they want to follow religion and have morals.It ironic how Holden knows some things about the Bible and likes Jesus but doesn’t believe it.

Holden makes minor changes throughout the book, where one may say that he is more of a static character more than anything. Though a reader many argue that statement, there is contradictory evidence that would deem Holden as a dynamic character. Holden doesn’t change much, but when it comes to his younger ten-year sister Phoebe, he has a soft spot for her. When Holden finally decides to come back home, he mentions to Phoebe that he will be leaving for awhile, and when she eagerly asks to go with him, he aggressively says “NO!” Realizing him saying no is antithetical to keeping Phoebe uncorrupt, he takes her to the zoo.

The self-narration of Holden’s life is what gives the reader an insight into the way he thinks and feels. It helps you understand why Holden is the way he is. Without this explanation from him, you wouldn’t empathise with him, or like him very much at all. It’s the little stories he tells, like the story about Allies baseball mitt, “…Allie had this left-handed fielders mitt… he had poems written all over the fingers and the pocket and everywhere. In green ink.” (Salinger, 1945-6, p.33) or about how he knows Jane Gallagher, “You were never even worried, with Jane, whether your hand was sweaty or not. All you knew was, you were happy. You really were” (Salinger, 1945-6, p.72) that make you see the softer side to him.

This view is shown through Holden's focus and how it is prioritized. His focus on the guidance from God is not existent within his thoughts even though he has prayed to God from time to time. Holden’s explanation as to why is, “I felt like praying or something, when I was in bed, but I couldn't do it. I can't always pray when I feel like it. In the first place, I'm sort of an atheist. I like Jesus and all, but I don't care too much for most of the other stuff in the Bible.” (Salinger--) Holden’s religious views is what stops Holden from relying on the guidance from God to help solve his issues within society. The author creates a previous history for Holden as Holden explains, “In the first place, my parents are different religions, and all the children in our family are atheists.” ( Salinger 100). This quote talks about how Holden’s religion differs him from believing in a higher power. Holden has grown up believing that there is no God, or higher power to even believe in. This relates to the author's purpose within his writing which is to show how Holden’s struggle within society can only be solved through Holden’s actions. The author uses these ideas to show how Holden’s perception on religion is differed by his personal beliefs of society. As Holden struggles

From the beginning of the novel, one common theme is the innocence that Holden is losing, and the maturity he is trying to gain, faster than it is coming. Holden is

This theme becomes displayed many times throughout the book in which Holden shows his uniqueness. In the text Holden states, “Partly because I have a lousy vocabulary and partly because I act quite young for my age sometimes. I was sixteen then,