"The Catcher in the Rye"

Paper Summary:

The following paper examines how the character of Holden Caulfield still reminds us that cynicism and self-doubt are not characteristics that are proprietary to adults. The writer examines how teen-age Holden is cynical, defiant, and blind to what is actually going on around him, yet to the very end of the novel he continues to berate the "phoniness" of others, particularly adults. The irony of Holden's seeing the faults and foibles of others while not being able to recognize them in himself is Salinger's comment on the way society views the human condition . This paper discusses how society always views the human condition as "the other guy".

From the Paper:

"The novel begins with Holden proving this point: We're introduced to Holden by his telling us that he doesn't want to talk about his "lousy childhood" -- he doesn't "feel like going into it" (Salinger 1). Holden is self-destructing but doesn't realize it because he's so intent on blaming everyone else for his problems. These psychological battles within Holden's own head serve as the basis for critical argument. As we read and learn more about Holden's situation, we must accept that society does indeed fail us because the finger is always pointed toward someone other than ourselves, whether it's to help someone in need or accept that we ourselves need help. Holden's character has sometimes been criticized for possessing the same characteristics he abhors in other people, but that, as I see it, is the point he is a teenager and as such, rather self-centered. He doesn't choose to see that the very qualities he finds fault with in other people."

More papers on "The Catcher in the Rye":

• Book Review # 146780 : "The Catcher in the Rye " - A Relevant Novel"
• Analytical Essay # 52097 : "J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye"
• Book Review # 2915 : "J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye"
• Analytical Essay # 35247 : "The Catcher in the Rye"

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