Language Choice Within “the Catcher in the Rye” Essay Example

transforms his demeanor into a bitter cynic, as opposed to introspection. In "The Catcher in the Rye," sexual conflict is a common motif among coming of age literature. Holden frequently struggles with his own sexual maturity and the way he perceives the sexuality of others.

While returning home from Pencey, Holden spends two days at a hotel to avoid his parents. During check-in, he notices a couple spitting their drinks at each other from across his window. Holden deems this behavior perverted and declares himself as the only normal person in the hotel, claiming to be a sexual maniac and admitting that he was fascinated by the acts he witnessed, which even aroused him (Salinger, 62).

Holden Caulfield had never had sexual intercourse and struggled with emotional intimacy towards women. He adopts a particular tone in this scene to examine his limited knowledge of sexuality. Despite lacking experience, Holden attempts to convey himself as an experienced individual. The language used by Holden is crucial in rationalizing this notion. Caulfield views sex and sexuality as a forfeiture of innocence.

Holden frequently ruminated on the innocence of his friend Jane Gallagher and his desire to safeguard it. Despite this, Jane went out with Stradlater, Holden's experienced roommate, causing Holden to reflect on the date frequently even long after it had taken place. He remembers having "old Jane Gallagher on the brain" for quite a while after.

Holden expresses unease about Jane being in Ed Banky’s car with Stradlater, despite believing that Stradlater is not interested in her: “I know old Jane like a book” (Salinger, 76). This repetition of paranoia highlights Holden’s frustration and his desire to protect Jane. However,

it is ultimately revealed that Holden never truly protects Jane in the story.

Holden justifies his efforts on the given date and seeks validation through adult language that reinforces his role as a protector. He is frustrated due to the perception that most people are not genuine. When he arrives in New York, Holden visits a bar and meets three women whom he considers unauthentic. Despite buying them drinks and dancing with them, he thinks that they are constantly searching the room for celebrity sightings. (Salinger, 73)

Holden Caulfield attempts to socialize with the women he encounters, feigning excitement over a movie star to please them. However, his cynical attitude prevents him from acknowledging his own flaws and causes him to harp on the shortcomings of others. He consistently uses derogatory language to describe the women's behavior, further isolating himself from any group he seeks. This behavior ultimately leads to his mental breakdown in “The Catcher in the Rye”. Through the use of explicit language and vulgarity, Holden's perspective is conveyed to the reader.

The selected language in this coming of age tale expresses Holden's frustration and lack of comprehension regarding significant issues such as death, sexuality, and loneliness, which ultimately lead to his mental collapse. Without the chosen language, these profound underlying themes of the story would lack substance and significance.