Photo citation: Catcher in the Rye Final Review By Dwyer. Web. 16 May 2014.
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Image Link: http://www.brunswick.k12.me.us/hdwyer/the-catcher-in-the-rye-exam-review/
Facing Reality in Catcher in the Rye
In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, the expression of the theme of hiding from reality is presented through Holden Caulfield's drastic transformation of his own reality. For example, the idea of hiding from events is presented through, “I sort of started pretending I had a bullet in my guts…As soon as old Maurice opened the doors, he’d see me with the automatic in my hand and he’d start screaming at me” (Salinger 103-104). Through Holden’s venture in imagination, the idea of the teen is displayed as a person who creates situations to benefit themselves while not truly living in reality. He starts pretending that he is in a movie so that he can hide from the humiliation he feels after getting beat up my Maurice. The word choice of "started pretending" coincides to the theme of hiding from the truth presented in real life situation. Holden's movement from true reality to his own false truth parallels teenage nature to turn away from troubles created in reality in order to exploit a more beneficial falsehood. Holden's actions present the teenager's natural desire to hide from reality.
Individualism in Catcher in the Rye
In J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye, the main character Holden Caulfield, struggles with facing society. When he is entering a hotel lobby he thinks, “I’d put on my red hunting cap when I was in the cab, just for the hell of it, but I took it off before I checked in. I didn’t want to look like a screwball or something” (Salinger 61). Holden puts on the strange looking hunting hat because he does not care what people think, showing that he indeed has the desire to be individual and separate himself from society. Holden however, is still concerned about what society thinks and takes the cap off being afraid of being judged by society. Near the end of the story, Holden thinks, "My hunting hat really gave me quite a lot of protection, in a way, but I got soaked anyway. I didn't care though" (Salinger 213). The hunting hat represents Holden's inner desire to be an individual in society, while the rain represents the beliefs of society. Despite Holden's inner thoughts giving him some "protection" against becoming what society wants him to (someone who is just like everyone and does not follow their own belief, a "phony") ultimately he will get wet, just like he will ultimately give in to society. Holden's not caring about getting wet represents the fact that he has accepted the fact that all teenagers, including himself, will eventually grow up and lose that urge to be an individual and conform along with the rest of society if they do not act on their impulses.
Love in Catcher in the Rye
Teenage love is shown in J.D. Salinger's Catcher in the Rye, when Holden Caulfield takes Sally Hayes on a date, he says, “I told her I loved her and all. It was a lie, of course, but the thing is, I meant it when I said it” (Salinger 125). Holden’s sudden statement of love for Sally is a perfect example of how teenagers are unable to experience real love. His immaturity and desperation for contact with a female demonstrates that because of the conflicting feelings inside a teenager (in this case, Holden trying to understand if he really does love Sally), true love is not attainable.
Loss of Innocence in Catcher in the Rye
In the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield struggles with his impending loss of innocence . For example, when Holden takes his friend Sally Hayes to skate, he shouts, “’You give me a royal pain in the ass, if you want to know the truth’” (Salinger 133). Holden's rude outburst towards Sally illustrates how he has lost any speck of childlike behavior left within him. Vocal outbursts are commonplace within the teenager, as they are inclined to speak their mind, without thinking of the consequences. Holden later demonstrates regret when he states, "'I know I shouldn't've said it, and I probably wouldn't've ordinarily'" (Salinger 133). Holden regrets his outburst, and seems to be troubled with the fact that he may have already lost his innocence. Many teens feel remorse over their actions and have to deal with their internal struggles.