READING THE CATCHER IN THE RYE

Eugenio: Holden, rebellious but highly sensitive

Holden Caufield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, is well-known for his rebellious attitude. After reading the excerpt from the 1951 novel, The Phoniness of the World, the reader can understand the sixteen-year-old boy’s spirit: although he embodies the typical teenage behaviour, he is highly sensitive.

That emerges from the conversation between Holden and his little sister, Phoebe. The teenager strongly values his affections during his struggle as an outcast of that era’s society, not very far apart from the contemporary way of living. He is deeply related to his dead brother, Allie, and his little sister, with whom he loves talking and “chewing the fat and the horsing”. He would like to be the catcher in the rye, an ideal adult figure who is committed to others, especially children.

Camilla: Remaining true in a world of hypocrisy

If someone asks you: “is there anything or anyone you like?” What would you answer? It could seem  a simple question, but it isn't. Thanks to it Holden, the protagonist of “The  Catcher in the Rye", starts talking about his future.

The Catcher in the Rye is a novel by J.D. Salinger. The book was written in the 1950s and it was an ispiriring book for the next generation. The main character is Holden, a 16-year-old boy. He searches for the truth against the hypocrisy of the adult world. Holden's sister, Phoebe, is a little girl, very wise despite her age. She is a good listener, she cares about his brother, she is sensitive and sensible.

Phoebe accuses Holden of not liking anything. Holden tells her that he doesn't want to be a lawyer, like his dad. He likes it, but not if lawyers are interested in money, status and fame. A good lawyer should be interested in helping innocent people. Holden considers adults hypocrites, also his father. His dad is absent, he is not interested in his life, he doesn't listen to him.

Then Holden describes his dream to Phoebe: to be the catcher in the rye. He imagines little kids playing in a big field, he's standing on the edge of a cliff and he has to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff.

This is a metaphor to say that Holden wants to become an adult who cares about children,  who helps them when they are in troubles. Holden wants to be an educator, or a teacher,  or a social worker,  or a good parent.  And the “cliff" represents fears, failures, difficult situations, troubles, depression, eating disorders, delusions, insecurity.  Holden wants to help children avoid falling over the cliff, he wants to help them overcome the difficulties.

There is a clash between the ideal and real figure of the adult in the passage we read from the novel. Holden wants to remain true and innocent in a world of  hypocrisy.

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10  Things Holden Caufield Hates