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