Catcher in the Rye2
Holden Caulfied: Saint, Snob, or Somewhere In-between? Although J.D. Salinger has only one novel to his credit, that novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is recognized as an exceptional literary work. The key to the success of The Catcher in the Rye is the main character, Holden Caulfield. There are many different critics that view Holden in many different ways. Some believe Holden to be a conceited snob, while others see Holden as a Christ-like figure. It is my opinion, however, that Holden is somewhere in the middle. Holden Caulfield is a character who has a definite code of honor that he attempts to live up to and expects to as abide by as well. Since the death of his brother Allie, Holden has experienced almost a complete sense of alienation from the world around him. This alienation is evident in every part of his life. Holden is unable to relate to anyone at the three prep schools he has attended. While standing on Thomsen Hill, Holden cannot help but feel isolated when he observes the football game, "you were supposed to commit suicide or something if Old Pencey didn't win" (Salinger 2). Not only does Holden feel isolated at the schools he has attended; he has this feeling when it comes to his family as well. Up
Simple acts like this motivated Holden to want to be Christ-like. So, Holden is neither a saint nor a snob. It is this mixture of qualities that makes Holden one of the most fascinating and popular characters in modern literature. The Catcher in the Rye is the choice of nine of ten murders, whackos, serial killers and, oddly enough, disgruntled teenagers. Carpenter view Holden as a character who is "Christ-like in his ambition to protect children before they enter the world of destruction and phoniness" (Carpenter 24). Boston: Little, Brown, and Company, 1951. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye is due in no small part to the main character and sole provider of information, the one and only Holden Caulfied. Thousand of little kids, and nobody's around- nobody big, I mean, except me. Not only does Holden give ten dollars to the nuns in the station, but he is also depressed by their meagre breakfast and the fact that they will never be "going anywhere swanky for lunch" (Salinger 110). When Phoebe begins to cry, Holden first "wanted her to cry until her eyes practically dropped out. "Previts 3Not only is Holden Christ-like in his desire to protect those who are "innocent" but he, like Jesus, truly "loves his neighbors, especially the poor in goods, appearance, and spirit" (Gwynn 14).
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Acceptance Essays
