Motifs In Catcher In The Rye
Motifs are recurring structures, contrasts, and literary devices that can help develop and inform the text 's major themes. One of the recurring themes in the novel The Catcher in the Rye is the omnipresent theme of death. It could be argued that the novel is not only full of references to death in the literal sense, physical disappearance, but also in the metaphorical, taking the form of spiritual disappearance, something which Holden often focuses on, along with the actual theme of mortality. It is possible that this occurs because of his reluctance to interact with the living world. As his means of escaping from the reality he despises, his mundane thoughts and the “phoniness” that he is surrounded by. Holden becomes increasingly attracted …show more content…
His brother’s death however was not his only literal encounter with death. The second death was that of James Castle, Holden’s Classmate at Elkton Hills School. He jumped out of the window when he was mercilessly bullied by some classmates of his and ended up dying. “He was dead, and his teeth, and blood, were all over the place. He had on this turtleneck sweater I 'd lent him” (Salinger 2010 : 92), although Holden didn 't know James well enough his death still left a mark on him. Readers can sense that Holden in some way admires this boy for committing suicide in this situation. He romanticizes his death and reveres him as a saint, like Mercutio and the nuns--those who martyr themselves or the good life for a noble or humble cause. At some point, he imagines killing himself by jumping out the window like Castle, but he cannot bear the thought of lying dead on the streets with a crowd of people gathering to look at his body."I felt like jumping out the window. I probably would 've done it, too, if I 'd been sure somebody 'd cover me up as soon as I landed. I didn 't want a bunch of stupid rubbernecks looking at me when I was all gory". (Salinger 2010 : 58) Holden seems to think that it is better to die young than to become an adult materialist like his parents, brother, and nearly every adult he meets. In this case death act as a symbol of freedom, a gateway, a relief from one’s troubles and responsibilities, this is its very quality that at times caused Holden to consider it …show more content…
This is clearly seen on the occasion of his interaction with Mr. Antolini who as soon as he made an affectionate move towards Holden, he labelled him as a pervert and wished to be known as deaf-mute thereon, a metaphorical death, "I 'd pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes. That way I wouldn 't have to have any goddam stupid useless conversations with
The Satire Of Holden Caulfield
699 Words | 3 PagesHolden Caulfield is one messed up dude. He has so much going on in his life and nothing at all at the same time. He dramatizes the little problems and blatantly disregards his large and prominent issues. The boy has a drinking and a smoking problem at sixteen. He has social anxiety, he's clueless about women, he's a terrible student, and he's on a wild ride on a depressive roller coaster.
How Is Holden Caulfield Mental Illness
927 Words | 4 PagesI felt like jumping out the window. I probably would've done it, too, if I'd been sure somebody’d cover me up as soon as I landed. I didn't want to bunch of stupid rubbernecks looking at me when I was on gory” (Salinger 117). The hopelessness Holden feels, by wanting to commit suicide, is a serious sign of depression.
Examples Of Thematic Essay On The Catcher In The Rye
1107 Words | 5 PagesThe effects of Holden constantly isolating himself can be seen especially through his improper speech and how he speaks to others. For example in chapter two Holden says “One of the biggest reasons I left Elkton Hills was because I was surrounded by phonies (pg 14).” In this Holden is exhibiting his poor vocabulary and shows how he does not put thought into the things he says. When he uses the word phonies to describe the boys at Elkton Hills in reality he means he thinks they are boys whom he is not friends with and does not like. In many other cases Holden appears to immediately result to the word phony when describing something or someone he does not like.
James Castle In 'Catcher In The Rye'
692 Words | 3 PagesAll Holden could think of was the two nuns he had met earlier, and James Castle. Castle was a “skinny little weak-looking” boy he knew back at Elkton Hills who once called someone else conceited, and instead of apologizing, he jumped out the window and killed himself. In the novel,
Catcher In The Rye Grief Analysis
656 Words | 3 PagesIn The Catcher in the Rye, it is observed that the novel is about grief. There are 5 stages of grief: denial, anger, depression, bargaining, and finally acceptance. The Catcher in the Rye shows how Holden goes through the grieving process. By the end of the novel it shows how Holden has reached closure or a way to let go.
Holden's Use Of Rhetorical Strategies In Catcher In The Rye
554 Words | 3 PagesHe is too focused thinking about a boy named James castle. James Castle committed suicide in Holden's sweater. “Instead of taking back what he said, he jumped out the window” (Salenger 42). Holden states this in the most simple way possible. Even though he knew this person and they were acquaintances, he states his death more like a story he heard about a stranger rather than a person he knew.
Holden's Loss Of Innocence In Catcher In The Rye
1230 Words | 5 PagesHolden’s unusual fantasy metaphorically displays this desire to save children’s innocence on his quest, and literally displays his obsession with death and preventing it, as being the catcher in the rye would accomplish both goals. F. Literary Critics also note that Holden’s catcher in the rye job is a dream of his that he pretends to be a reality to hide the fact that he secretly knows that he is unable to save the innocence of all children. G. Authors James E. Miller jr, and Arthur Heiserman explicitly state that, “Holden delights in circles – a comforting bounded figure which yet connotes hopelessness” (Miller, Heiserman 496). H. The “comforting bounded figure” is Holden’s catcher fantasy that he literally uses to comfort himself against the reality he refuses to believe because it “connotes hopelessness” and he is still too innocent and naïve to accept that. I. Holden possesses this dream as a weak attempt to save the innocence of children and to avoid a hopeless reality of defeat he has yet to accept.
Examples Of Change In Catcher In The Rye
1022 Words | 5 PagesChange Can Be Good As one grows up they may experience dramatic changes in their life that they wish had never occurred. In The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D Salinger, the main Character Holden Caulfield, goes through loss as his life begins to change right in front of him. His brother Allie who Holden was very close with, passes away, and his family and friends are all moving forward with their lives.
Catcher In The Rye Rhetorical Analysis
828 Words | 4 PagesRhetorical Précis 1: In his essay, “ Love and Death in The Catcher in the Rye” (1991), Peter Shaw claimed that Holden behavior and way of thinking is due to common abnormal behavior in a certain time for teenagers (par. 10). Shaw supported his assertion of the young Holden by comparing the literary culture of the 1950s and how Holden’s fictional character fits within the contemporary Americans novels as a, “ sensitive, psychological cripples but superior character” (par. 3). Shaw’s purpose was to show that Holden’s sensitive and psychological behavior is not abnormal, but such like stated by Mrs. Trilling that,” madness is a normal, even a better then normal way of life” (par 4). Peter Shaw’s tone assumed a highly educated audience who is
Examples Of Imagery In Catcher In The Rye
427 Words | 2 PagesImagery in Catcher in the Rye In the novel by J.D. Salingher, The Catcher in the Rye, there are many examples of imagery. Imagery adds to the effect the reader feels while reading the novel: “Imagery is descriptive language to produce mental images. Using imagery is one of the best tools an author can use to engage readers in stories.” (enotes) Holden’s impressions about Stradlater’s walk, the prostitute he hires, and the stage show at Radio City create powerful imagery. While Stradlater goes out on a date with Jane, Holden waits for Stradlater at the dorm.
Examples Of Loneliness In Catcher In The Rye
646 Words | 3 PagesWhile in school, Holden also witnesses someone dying, a kid was being bullied and then committed suicide by jumping out a two story window. Holden heard the kids body hit the ground and witnessed him laying on the cement with blood everywhere. That also played a factor in the way he
Theme Of Death In Catcher In The Rye
1120 Words | 5 PagesThis scene is exceptionally important, as it sets the entire tone for how Holden perceives adults and their attitude towards death, as something insignificant that doesn’t deserve closer inspection. Holden feels that death is being cheapened by who he deems to be the “phonies”. Another allusion to death is Holden’s frequent thoughts about the ducks in central park. He wants to know what happens to them during winter, asking the cab drivers in chapters 9 and 12. When Holden locates the lagoon and realizes that the ducks aren’t there, he starts thinking about suicide.
What Are Holden Caulfield's Flaws
904 Words | 4 PagesIn the novel “The Catcher in the Rye”, the protagonist Holden Caulfield demonstrates his unusual behaviour. The narrator introduces the story of an emotionally damaged teenager whose suspicions and personal issues prevent him from being “normal” in a society full of phonies that he does not seem to get along with. It becomes clear that Holden has clouded judgement as he rides an emotional rollercoaster of mood swings with the people he likes, and dislikes. Therefore, it becomes obvious that some of his personal flaws include his distrust, depression, and unreasonable attitudes and thoughts are based on his underlying emotional problems. Holden Caulfield has a variety psychological problems, such as his skepticism, depressive behaviour, and
Death In Catcher In The Rye Essay
1227 Words | 5 PagesI’m positive in fact” (204) The above passage shows Holden's attitude on life and the fact that he is always disappointed with most everyone and everything. He thinks life is full of phonies, he doesn't trust anyone, and at every turn he is failing. Death seems like a pretty good option for good people, apparently. Fortunately, Holden winds up in a hospital in California and hopefully get the help that he needs to let go of childhood and enter the adult world with a more positive attitude on
Catcher In The Rye Research Paper
628 Words | 3 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye Final Essay (Draft) In J.D. Salinger's fiction book, The Catcher in the Rye, Holden, a teen living in the 1940’s, experiences his teen years in strange and unusual ways. Holden teaches us that everyone experiences frustrations throughout life but can always manage them. Some readers of the novel believe that the book has lost its significance due to the fact that it was written so long ago.
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