Catcher in the Rye - chapter analysis
English Journal - The Catcher in the RyeIn the two opening chapters we are introduced to Holden Caulfield and his life at Pencey High. This is all about to end due to his failure in 4/5 subjects. My initial reaction to Holden's personality was that he had a very negative view on many things happening in his life, for example the football game he was watching and the teacher Mr. Spencer. Holden also introduces his view on 'phonies'. I find Holden to be a very depressing character that doesn't really care about life or school, this is seen when he fails an essay. However when talking with Mr. Spencer we see another side to Holden's personality when he attempts to 'console' the teacher by saying it is him not the teaching that caused him to fail.I find it hard to grasp the actual storyline, as Holden seems to talk about many various subjects. In this chapter, I learn more about Holden's' personality. He is quick to judge people, impulsive, contradictive, cynical and quite random.Holden introduces Robert Ackley, who he says is a 'phony moron' and then describes Ward Strandler his roommate as 'a secret slob'. I think this is a very negative way to view the people around him.
From the way Holden speaks it's easy to tell that his brothers' death affected him greatly. As usual, the meeting with Carl didn't go smoothly. For example, he couldn't decide which friend to call at the phone booth, but when placed in the hotel, he gave no second thought to calling up a prostitute. January 15Chapter 22-26In this chapter Holden is at home, Phoebe is delighted to see him but soon figures out he has been kicked out of school. While talking with the nuns the topic of Romeo and Juliet arises where Holden takes the view that Romeo is responsible of Mercutio's death. In the last chapter of the book, Holden want to apply himself to another school. I think this is another irrational decision, but it may be due to the alcohol, or just a very depressed and confused Holden. He is also showing a very indecisive side, which is possibly because he has no self-believe, and also has a tendency to repeat things more than necessary. I think this makes him very pathetic because he is avoiding confrontation with his parents, again chooses the path of least resistance. He also mentions how in his dreams he wants to be 'the catcher in the rye' a very childish and innocent dream, but somehow positioning him in the 'protective' part, catching the children from falling off the cliff. This event has shown me that Holden isn't really thinking 'right' and just wants to escape. It seems his family is quite wealthy but his mother hasn't been too well since Allie's death. On the train to New York he strikes a conversation with a school mate's mother. He is quickly woken up by what he thinks is a homosexual advance and quickly rushes off. I found him very selfish telling her want she would like to hear and having her believe his lies.
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