The Catcher in the Rye – Holden Caulfield Essay Example
The Catcher in the Rye – Holden Caulfield Essay Example

The Catcher in the Rye – Holden Caulfield Essay Example

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  • Pages: 2 (311 words)
  • Published: December 29, 2017
  • Type: Essay
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Holden Caulfield, the main character in The Catcher in the Rye, is depicted as a judgmental person.

The novel Salinger tells a timeless story about Holden Caulfield, a sixteen-year-old boy who reflects on a confusing time in his life. Holden is about to be expelled from Pency Prep School and has only a few days left. At first, he dislikes people he considers to be "phony," including those at his school, which leads him to leave early. He then spends three days wandering aimlessly around New York City. During this time, Holden learns more about himself and his role in the world.

He perceives himself as the catcher in the rye, envisioning a field where children are playing. He is the sole adult near a cliff and feels accountable for catching anyone who may slip off. Nevertheless, he also momentarily underg

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oes adulthood and becomes a hypocrite.

By the end of the story, Holden comes to the realization that he is dissatisfied with the person he has become, causing him to transform into an idealist; a person who is negative and judgmental. Holden first expresses his idealism when he discusses his life at Pency Prep, describing it as a place filled with phonies, morons, and bastards. His roommate, Stradlater, is "friendly" but in a phony way, and his other roommate, Ackley, is "very nosy" and also a bastard. Holden cannot tolerate being in their company for extended periods of time.

Later, he engages in a conflict with Stradlater about his date with Jane. Holden is unhappy because he believes that Stradlater "gave her the time" and doesn't show any concern for her; 'he doesn't care because he's a stupid moron

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All morons despise being called morons'. Holden not only views his roommates as hypocrites and jerks, but he also perceives his headmaster at Pency Prep as a "phony slob".

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