Parallels Between the Conflicts of J.D. Salinger and Holden Caulfield from Catcher and the Rye

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 Caulfield is the protagonist in the novel “The Catcher in the Rye”. In the book Holden hears a quote “The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he want to live humbly for one” (Salinger 188) which he embraces as he matures throughout the story. Holden’s opinions of childhood and adulthood change as he grows through experience.

Even Though he can't make that connection with his parents throughout the book he presents us with other outlets like Jane Gallagher as way for Holden to have someone to talk to saying“Jane Gallagher. Jesus” I couldn't get her off my mind I really couldn’t. “I oughta go down and say hello to her, at least.” When this opportunity is presented for Holden to have a connection with a childhood friend when asked “Why the hell don’tcha, instead of keep saying it?”..he replies.”I’m not in the mood right now.”(37)) this perfectly showing how not only does not have opportunities to connect with someone but in the case of Jane Gallagher he refuses to connect with someone. And as critic Mollie Sandock perfectly states in The Catcher in the Rye: Overview Holden's story is “ full of failed attempts to communicate, messages never delivered, uncompleted phone calls, overtures not taken up, appeals repulsed,” this much leading him into the isolated lonely child or teenager (it depends which way you look at it ) that he is.

The Catcher in the Rye is one of J. D. Salinger's world-famous books about the disgruntled youth. Holden Caulfield is the main character and he is a seventeen- year-old dropout who has just been kicked out of his fourth school. Navigating his way through the challenges of growing up, Holden separates the “phony” aspects of society, and the “phonies” themselves. Some of these “phony” people in his life are the headmaster whose friendliness depends on the wealth of the parents, and his roommate who scores with girls using sickly-sweet affection. This book deals with the complex issues of identity, belonging, connection, and alienation. Holden senses these feelings most of the time and is guilty about many things in

This novel supports the beliefs of Reiff, Bloom, and Pinsker that Holden Caulfield, although it may not seem, is overall a good person. Throughout this novel, the reader indirectly discovers more about Holden. Between his vague thoughts and discussions with other characters, it becomes apparent who Holden truly is. For example, on the train to New York, Holden has an encounter with the mother of Ernest Morrow, a student from Holden’s school, Pencey Prep. Mrs. Morrow praises her son and calls him sensitive while Holden thinks that, “Morrow was about as sensitive as a goddam toilet seat” (Salinger 55). Although Holden disagrees, he exaggerates and tells Mrs. Morrow how great her son is. Holden tries to make Mrs. Morrow delighted and proud by speaking highly of her son, although it may not be true. He can not bring himself to tell her the truth and shatter her perception of her son. The reason behind these lies is to keep Mrs. Morrow from becoming hurt or disappointed, supporting Pinsker’s belief. Even with a stranger that Holden barely knew, he is attentive and does anything to keep he or she happy. Additionally, when Holden and his friend, Mal, are going out for the night, Holden invites Ackley to come along with them. Although Mal is reluctant, Holden eventually convinces him to let Ackley accompany them. Holden finds Ackley annoying and

However, having sex is something that is considered adultlike which takes Holden one step closer to becoming independent, but he backs out and goes back to his juvenile ways. To build upon this idea, Holden also shows a glimpse of the path of helplessness when he replies “no” to retain his innocence and avoids his existential anxiety. Furthermore, Holden starts daydreaming and thinking about his idealized future. He thinks, “I got excited as hell thinking about it. I really did. I knew the part about pretending I was a deaf-mute really decided to go out West and all” (Salinger, 199). As seen before, Holden is running away from his problems like a child and displays symptoms of helplessness because of his existential anxiety. Instead of facing the problem head on, Holden acts as if he is unable to cope with reality and live up to his ideal self. Ultimately, Holden shows childish impulses and immaturity, which sets him on the path of self hate.

In “A Catcher In The Rye”, a novel by J.D. Salinger, Salinger did nothing if not perfectly capture the school life of a young man identified as Holden Caulfield. Throughout the novel, Holden struggles with life decisions, as well as his past. His peers are little to no help, while Holden becomes further entrenched in his own downward spiral.

Jerome David “J.D” Salinger’s masterpiece, The Catcher in the Rye, is a world to the disillusioned protagonist Holden Caulfield. The story follows Holden Caulfield following his eviction from his private school, Holden leaves school two days early to travel New York before returning home. He interconnected with many different folks along the way and fascinatingly, the character of Holden Caulfield holds a remarkable similarity to J.D Salinger himself. The Cather in the Rye was based on J.D Salinger’s life, the world in which he lived, and the world in general has influenced the production of the novel. They both have a comparable childhood to each other and

Catcher in the Rye is one of the most famous books in American literature. Written by J. D. Salinger, it captures the epitome of adolescence through Salinger’s infamous anti-hero, Holden Caulfield. Holden Caulfield learns about himself and his negative tendencies, and realizes that if he does not do something to change his perspective, he may end up like his acquaintance James Castle whom he met at Elkton Hills. Holden tries to find help to mend his outlook on life through Mr. Antolini so he does not end up like James, who did not want to face the problems he created for himself. This is proven by the similarities between James Castle and Holden, Mr. Antolini’s willingness to try and help Holden, and Holden’s future being forecasted by

Holden knows that these children are unaware of the stress and difficulties that come along with adulthood, and believes that they should be saved from these things. Holden’s fear of growing up is shown even here, as he stands right on the edge of the cliff saving these children, but is unwilling to fall off the cliff and enter adulthood himself. This, being one of the most important and memorable quotes of the book, is perhaps the most significant evidence of the fact that the title of the book explores the theme of innocence preservation. Therefore, Holden’s affection for the innocence and purity of children undoubtedly has a connection to his reluctance to grow up, and to his desire to become a “catcher in the rye”. Moreover, his attitude towards change is also a large factor in his attempts to resist maturity.

With self protection as the main goal, Holden is seen removing himself from adulthood when he constantly regresses back to a childlike state of mind and and when he uses his cynicism and bitterness to alienate himself from the possible complexities of relationships. For example, Holden uses his method of isolation when he attempts to seek intimacy and connections with others. At the beginning of his trip, Holden explains, "The first thing I did when I got off at Penn Station, I went into this phone booth. I felt like giving somebody a buzz. I left my bags right outside the booth so that I could watch them, but as soon as I was inside, I couldn't think of anybody to call up" (Salinger 54). Despite being able to call anyone he pleases, he chooses to alienate himself instead. To grow up is to connect with others in an intimate level; however, Holden is scared of possible rejection or complications from a relationship. Relationships are opportunities for Holden to break out and be part of society. However, they also represent what he fears most about the adult world: change, unpredictability, and complexity. He can not form connections because he is unable to accept the intricacy of other human beings and the phoniness they embody. Therefore, he isolates himself when he avoids relationships and growing up. Not only does

Holden, the teenage protagonist of the novel, experiences an ongoing battle with the adult world and the cruelty associated with it. Holden respects those who represent or protect innocence, and is

Holden is lonely in part because he cannot connect to his peers. Most things and people that he sees he describes as being "phony", which could lead to his lack of social interest. When his sister, Phoebe, asks him