The Character of Holden Caufield in Catcher in the Rye Essay Example
Holden Caufield's character can be interpreted in countless ways.
In my opinion, the most fitting term to portray him is "protective." This notion brings us to the primary innermost circle, where we find the name Holden enclosed within a case. In J.D. Salinger's novel, The Catcher in the Rye, Holden's constant efforts to safeguard innocence are displayed by the presence of this protective enclosure around his name. As we move to the second circle, we encounter the two key symbols that, for me, embody Holden's essence throughout the book.
In the text, Holden uses two symbols to convey his desire to preserve innocence. The first symbol is Allie’s baseball glove, which represents Holden’s attempt to capture and protect the innocence of a young child. Furthermore, the glove serves as a reminder of his intimate relationship with his late brother
..., Allie. The second symbol is a museum, representing Holden’s longing to hold on to and safeguard innocence in individuals. For instance, when Holden waits in the museum to pick up Phoebe from school (p. 202), it demonstrates his intention to shield Phoebe from the process of growing up.
Located in the third circle is Holden's red hunting hat, which he often wears to feel protected. In a conversation with Phoebe, Holden gave her his hunting hat as a way to shield her from the negative influences of society. This act symbolizes his desire to preserve her innocence. Additionally, the third circle houses a carrousel, which is a significant and intriguing symbol due to its counterclockwise rotation.
Going back in time, the carousel allows Holden to halt the progression of an innocent youth. Additionally, this carousel illustrates a cycle of innocenc
as it is exclusively enjoyed by small children. Situated in the fourth and outermost ring, there is a cinema showing a film. Holden criticizes movies and the actors within them as insincere because they are assuming a different persona instead of being authentic.
For instance, Holden expresses his dislike for actors, stating, "In the first place, I hate actors. They never act like people." (p. 117) In my depiction of Holden, the image of Central Park serves as the final element. The park symbolizes both youth and innocence. Unlike other locations, there are no elderly individuals present in the park; it is solely occupied by young children.
Holden reflects on his little sister while venturing to central park alone. (p. 118) The park serves as a reminder of Phoebe's pure nature, reminding him of her innocence. Clearly, there are various avenues to portray the impactful persona of Holden Caufield.
His primary objective in the book, however, is to maintain the purity found in the mind of a young child.
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