The Catcher in the Rye - Character Analysis (Phoebe)

Through the book, you hear the perspective of Holden Caulfield, but some other characters are often overlooked.  Phoebe is the younger sister of Holden.  She is only about ten years old, but she plays a major roll on Holden.  Due to Holden's lack of understanding towards women, he is only able to connect to men and young ladies (about Phoebe's age).  Jane is mentioned frequently throughout the book as a child, but he never wants to catch up with her as an adult (Salinger 31).  The same goes for Phoebe, he is only able to talk with her and relate to her because of her youth. Women tend to be less intimidating to him when they are young.  

Phoebe is important to Holden, she is like his anchor.  Phoebe provides an excuse for Holden to go back home and get some help.  She is able to draw him back home, and she is able to keep him there.  Holden wanted to see Phoebe, so he went home (Salinger 156).  Holden wanted to keep Phoebe happy, so he stayed home (Salinger 207).  If not for Phoebe, Holden may have gone off out west and done something crazy.  Phoebe was a friend to Holden.  She really was his anchor, and the only person in the book that Holden was able to relate to at all. 

There is something humorously cute about Phoebe that relieves some of the tension in the story.  When Caulfield sneaks into his old house, I was on the edge of my seat worrying about him getting caught (Salinger 158).  Then he finally reaches Phoebe's room and reads her little notebook with her new and ever-changing middle name written in it (Salinger 160).  This was a part that relieved some stress, and I found it adorable.  

Overall, Phoebe is the innocence in a story of guilt.  Phoebe was my favorite character because of her ability to manipulate Holden and straighten him out.  She sets him on the right path and encourages him to make something of himself (Salinger 165-169).

Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye - Reaction To Writing Style

When I first started reading The Catcher in the Rye, I had no clue what the book was even about.  The copy I have has no beginning summary on the back or anything like that, so I began reading with an open mind.  When I first started reading, I was unsure if I even had the right book, because there was a lack of complexity in the words. "If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don'f feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth." (Salinger 1).  I thought something must have been wrong.  I thought maybe it was a parody of some sort, then I shortly realized that this was, in fact, the classic from the 1950s that I was actually supposed to be reading.  There is a simplicity to the book that makes it a breeze to read, and allows you to focus more of the mental aspects of the characters rather than the wording and phrasing.
I only realized at the end that the main character, Holden Caulfield, is actually in a hospital (Salinger 213).  I wondered throughout the book where he was telling the story from.  Because the story is told from the point of view of a maturity-confused psychiatric patient, obviously the literature is not going to be difficult to read.  I believe that the point of the story was to make the reader really think about what they were reading.  The reader must not only read the words, but also read what is not written.  I loved that the focus was mainly on what was really behind all the strange behaviors and risks of Holden Caulfield.    
This book was unlike any classic novel I've read before, but I have not read anything else from J.D. Salinger.  The  thought-provoking material from this book makes me want to learn more about the relationship between Salinger and Holden Caulfield, and read more into the background of the book.  


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye - 8

8) How accurately does this novel reflect events in history?  What responsibilities does the author believe exist between various groups in society, such as workers and bosses, men and women, blacks and whites, etc.?  What people, ideas, and events probably influenced this author?


This question is a lot like question number five, which deals with historical and social issues of the given time period.  The novel was actually written by J.D. Salinger in the time period that the story is set in.  Even so, the time period was quite a bit different than the modern-day world.  Salinger believes that teachers not only teach students, but also mentor them (Salinger 3).  He believes that men are superior to women, and that men are to be separated from women politically and educationally (Salinger 3).  At this time, segregation still exists between black people and white people, although it is not talked about in this novel.
Although Holden Caulfield is often more critical of his professors than anything, they still care about his well-being and his future, along with building a personal relationship with him.  The way Mr. Spencer invites Caulfield to his home to discuss his future plans makes me believe that teachers treated students differently than they treat students now (Salinger 8-15). 
Caulfield tends to describe a woman as more of a form of art than a person.  He sees women as things to be observed and criticized, rather than spoken to intellectually or realistically.  An example of this is when he meets up with an acquaintance's mother on a train to New York.  He mentally observes her while he makes up ridiculous lies about his life (Salinger 54-57).  He also does something similar while conversing with three women in the Lavender Room.  He makes observations and opinions of them while he lies to them (Salinger 69-75).  I don't recall a single realistic conversation between Caulfield and a female through the whole book, except a few with his younger sister. 
These characteristics still exist in people today, but not quite as apparently.  Today, the relationship between teacher and student is a little less personal, due to rules and regulations of student-teacher conduct.  There are not as many ways for students and teachers to have close friendships.  Also, women have more rights nowadays.  Women are treated more equally and with more respect in society today.  


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye - 7

7) What techniques does the author use to engage the audience and make the story effective?  Give examples to support your analysis (mystery, humor, symbolism, suspense, etc.).


The author of The Catcher in the Rye uses many different techniques to make the story able to catch the reader's attention.  A few techniques used are symbolism, satire, and stream of consciousness.  Although there are many other techniques used, I find these three to be the most important.
First off, J.D. Salinger uses reoccurring symbolism throughout the entire novel.  There are a few major symbols, one of which being Holden's red hunting hat.  When Holden puts his hat on, he always goes off on his own.  This leads me to think that the red hunting hat represents the isolation of a character.  When Holden puts on his hunting hat, its a sure thing that he will isolate himself.  When he puts his hat on, he is also less mature, he is not only isolating himself from other people, but also from adulthood.  I realized this when the hat is traded off between Holden and Phoebe.  Phoebe has the hat because Holden had given it to her, but Phoebe gives it back to him when she gets angry.  Holden has the hat in his pocket when he is walking with Phoebe.  Phoebe takes his hat and puts it on his head after she forgives him.  His maturity level goes from responsible parent-figure, to a child sitting in the rain alone when he puts the hunting hat on (Salinger 207-213). 
Another literary technique used is satire.  Through the book, Caulfield uses satire to criticize all of the people around him, but only because he believes people are doing the same to him.  I thought satire from Caulfield was directed mainly towards professors, and especially toward women (Salinger 69).  Caulfield was very critical of his professor, Mr. Spencer, even though he thought fondly of him.  "What made it even more depressing, old Spencer had this very sad, ratty old bathrobe that he was probably born in or something.  I don't much like to see old guys in their pajamas and bathrobes anyway.  their bumpy old chests are always showing.  And their legs.  Old guys' legs at beaches and places, always look so white and unhairy." (Salinger 7). 
The way the book is written is called stream of consciousness.  The narrator records thoughts as fast as he thinks of them.  This story is a recollection of a long weekend in which Holden Caulfield leaves Pencey Prep and returns to New York.  The book is written as Holden is directly remembering a time, almost as if he is telling a story from memory without any kind of rehearsal.  "The cab I had was a real old one that smelled like someone'd just tossed his cookies in it.  I always get those vomity kind of cabs if I go anywhere late at night.  What made it worse, it was so quiet and lonesome out, even though it was Saturday night. I didn't see hardly anybody on the street." (Salinger 81).


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye - 6

6) Why do we still read this book?  What is so timeless about its message and characters?  What can we learn from reading this novel?


The Catcher in the Rye is so timeless because of the fictional character, Holden Caulfield.  There are always going to be people like him in our world.  Holden Caulfield has a psychotic disorder, effecting his maturity and impulses.  Holden is 18, and he is caught between child and adult.  "I was sixteen, and I'm seventeen now, and sometimes I act like I'm about thirteen." (Salinger 9).  
The reason this story is so special is that it allows us to gain a deeper understanding of people with psychotic disorders, and people in general.  Very few books are able to let the reader come into such personal contact with the human mind and thought process.  Some may disagree, but I find the book to be extremely thought-provoking and riveting.  My interest gradually became deeper and deeper as the story progressed, and I was amazed at how much a person can learn about others through this book.  
At first, I was a bit hesitant to let the story consume my mind.  I found Caulfield to be a bit intimidating.  But after I was used to the writing style and Holden's unexpected way of thinking, I could easily see why this book is still being read by thousands today.  
In reading this novel, we can all learn about compassion and understanding to other people living with us today.  Through the book, you get to see what the world was like through Holden Caulfield's eyes.  Although the character is fictional, he is extremely real in my opinion, and it is rare that you get to see things through someone else's eyes. You never know what a person is going through until you take a walk in their shoes.  There are a lot of people in the world of different races, sexes, orientations, religions, and opinions, and we all should learn to be compassionate and try to put ourselves in the situations of others before making assumptions.  


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye - 5

5) How does this novel reflect the history, behavior and social issues of the time period and setting?  What is this book's symbolic and thematic significance?


The story is set around the 1940s or 1950s when it was written, as there is no direct indication of the date.  At this point in history, in America, women didn't have quite as many rights as they do now, language was different, schools were still gender-specific, and everyone treated each other a bit more violently than they do now. 
In the 1940s and 50s, America was still developing its culture.  Segregation was still a large factor to the general public, and no African Americans are mentioned at all during the story.  Apart from racial segregation, there was a large amount of gender segregation and sexism.  Women were not allowed to vote or attend the same schools as men.  They were seen as a household assistant, rather than companions and humans.  In the story, Caulfield refers to women in a demeaning manner.  Due to fond childhood memories, he thinks of Jane with goodness and respect (Salinger 31). Unfortunately, this is the only woman he is able to comprehend with respect.  With many other women, he tries to undergo sexual interaction with apathy and criticism.  Although he is unable to accomplish anything because of his immature mentality, his opinion of them remains the same (Salinger 96).  
The language was also very different, although I'm not sure if Caulfield is the best example of this.  The way he speaks does not have much legitimacy compared to the language of other people in the story.  After rereading some parts of the book, I've determined that Caulfield was not mentally stable, and the hospital he goes to at the end of the story is a mental facility.  Even so, he still is able to talk to others with simplistic charisma.  They would speak with a bit less articulation then we do now, and they would say unfriendly things that you would not hear in modern-day conversation.  An example of this would be a conversation between Caulfield and an unpleasant taxi cab driver (Salinger 82).  
During this time, it seems to me that people were not as clear about things as they are today.  I feel as though this book was almost intended to expose how ridiculous our society used to be, and how closed-minded, confusing, and critical our world once was.  


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye - 4

4) Who is the "hero" in this book and what are some of his/her traits?  What does he/she accomplish, and how is he/she portrayed?  Does the hero represent an abstract idea such as goodness, truth, courage or evil?


The hero in this book has to be Holden Caulfield, because the entire story is centered around him.  Although, he is not only the hero because he is in control, he is also a hero to others in the story.  He is a friend to many who need one, even people he did not particularly like, such as a character named Ackley (Salinger 36). He also makes an important impact on his younger sister Phoebe (Salinger 162). 
While Caulfield is the hero, he is not the typical hero.  He is impulsive, repetitive, judgmental, but at times compassionate, depending on his mood.  He is portrayed this way to resemble certain traits that we all have, but are hidden behind years of education and social experience.  I see Holden as a clear representation of basic human impulse. Without all of our experiences, we would all be acting similar to the way Holden acts in the story.  While he has a number of charismatic qualities, he has an underlying thought process and motive with every conversation he has.  An example of this would be when he is talking with the three women in the Lavender Room.  All the while as he talks to them, he has other thoughts in mind (Salinger 68).
It is an interesting thought to wonder if Holden Caulfield represents an abstract idea.  If he does represent an idea, it is pure human impulse.  The things he thinks and his actions imply that he never gives a second thought to anything.  He even talks about how he has to be "in the mood" to do certain things, such as "giving old Jane a buzz," (Salinger 62).  He does not think though with logic, only impulse with pleasure in mind.  He lacks all sense of ambition. This shows exactly how he is able to get by without goals and hardly any accomplishments at all. 


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye - 3

3) What universal themes does this book address?  What does the author understand about human nature?


I would say that the universal theme of The Catcher in the Rye is that you cannot get anywhere without knowing your destination. For example, throughout the book, Holden has no clue what he is doing or what he wants, so he does not know what goals he has.  You cannot achieve a goal without having a goal to start with (Salinger 187).
Unlike a lot of authors, Salinger does not think too much about wording or phrasing.  He focuses mainly on the human mind, and the thought process that comes from it.  I believe that to be human nature in its most basic form, which is why I think Salinger has a great understanding of many aspects of human nature. Salinger focuses on these techniques particularly while his characters are alone, or when they're given time to think.  A great example of this is when Holden is going for a walk.  Salinger writes about Holden's impulsive nature and his fears.  He writes about what interesting, random things Caulfield thinks of while strolling down the street.  His thoughts lead to actions that you would see someone doing on any occasion, which tells me that Salinger knows something about how human thought leads to action (Salinger 197).
The way Caulfield acts leads to more thoughts, and these thoughts lead to more actions.  The novel continues this cycle from beginning to end.  There is no skipping through time, and no detail is overlooked.  Every thought and action is accounted for, which is what makes this book so interesting.  When you look into someone's mind, it is nearly impossible to turn away from it.  Clearly, the author's understanding of human nature is evident in his writing about the human thought process, a basic aspect of human nature.
The theme of the novel ties in with the author's understanding of human nature.  Holden does not know what he wants because of his complete focus on human nature.  His impulsiveness shows that he is not focused on the complexities of modern times, but more concerned with the pleasures of living in the moment. 


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye - 2

2) What are the causes, gains, and losses of the conflict dealt with in this book?


Before dealing with the causes, gains, and losses of a conflict, one must find a conflict.  Deciphering the true conflict of this novel was difficult, because the book was so passively written.  There are small conflicts between characters, such as fights between Caulfield and Stradlater, but I found that the real conflict was between Holden and himself (Salinger 44).  This conflict was purely mental and emotional.  I eventually decided that the conflict in Holden was a simple question directed towards himself: What do I want?
Through the entire book, Caulfield never knows exactly what he is searching for, or where he is going.  His personality varies between immature child to charismatic, intellectual bachelor. As this behavior develops, things become more unclear to him.  Eventually, he finds himself confused and disoriented with hardly a thing to his name in a number of days (Salinger 178).  Although he does not think much of it due to his often apathetic personality, I considered this his rock-bottom state.  I think somewhere in his mind, he knows something is not right.  He knows that there is something that needs more attention then he does, which is causing his apathy to himself.
Caulfield didn't gain much from the conflict, besides a lot of experiences to think through.  So many things happen to him in only a few days, he does not really have time to think about them.  He is only able to keep moving until he understands how to solve his problem.  He gains knowledge, in a way, but that is really all.
Unfortunately, the losses of this conflict outweigh the gains.  Through the conflict, Holden loses his admission in Pencey, he loses a lot of money, some pride, and a lot of blood (Salinger 103).  
Because of his apathy towards education, he failed everything but English.  Obviously, they didn't want someone like that attending classes in their high-class programs.  He is apparently loaded with "dough" at the beginning of the story, and throughout the book, that slowly goes down the drain.  He spends all of his money on cabs, coffee, music and prostitutes (not the best investments).  He makes a fool of himself quite a lot during the few days that he is independent, and he gets into quite a few quarrels as well (Salinger 103).  All of these things are done for the sake of answering himself a question.


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

The Catcher in the Rye

1) What does the writing reveal about the author's values and attitudes?  From what perspective does he/she write?


J.D. Salinger wrote The Catcher in the Rye from a first-person perspective.  He has completely enveloped himself in the mind of Holden Caulfield, the main character of the story.  In some sections of the novel, I would often forget that it was fictional, due to his casual recollection of memories and impulsive thought process.  I believe that Caulfield was created from a possibly overlooked part of Salinger's personality.  With such a vivid memoir and attention to detail, I am led to think that there is a direct relation between Salinger and the characters he has created, not unlike many other authors.  Branching off of this thought, I am able to make observations about the author just from reading about the things he has imagined.
In reading, I noticed a very impulsive nature in Caulfield.  He would come up with an idea in his mind, then find himself carrying out the idea without much thought on it.  He also would explain that he didn't know why he was doing what he did, he just did it (Salinger 198).  I don't know a lot about Salinger or his experiences, but there is definitely an impulsive side to him, whether he expresses it or not.  The way he described Holden's behavior made it seem as though he knew the feelings quite well.  If Caulfield does come from a part of Salinger's personality, even subconsciously, then this prominent trait of the character must be present in some part of Salinger's mentality.
Another trait I found important was Holden's understanding of people.  He would recall a conversation, and give commentary about the person and their every action.  He could elaborate on a small stutter for pages, or the way someone played the piano. (Salinger 84).  Although this trait is not always something to be proud of, I found it interesting to hear the judgments we, as humans, tend to make in the back of our minds.  He didn't pay much attention to his surroundings, just how the people reacted to those surroundings.  This must have been something the author spent a substantial amount of time pondering, because each interaction was described in great detail.  
I am once again led to believe that Salinger shares these traits with his character because he has such a firm understanding of the concepts, along with other traits that Holden possesses.  


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991

Honors English

This... is a blog. This is a blog about English. Honors English. Okeh. Bye.