Theme Of Character Names In Catcher In The Rye - 1612 Words

â€Å"I cant explain what I mean. And even if I could, Im not sure Id feel like it†(Salinger 74). Once again Holden â€Å"holds† back from the reader to avoid saying too much about himself. Thus, to achieve the greatest knowledge of The Catcher in the Rye the reader must examine the connections between the symbolic character names and the recurring themes. From the major characters including Holden Caulfield to the minor characters such as Sally Hayes, Salinger creatively uses their names to portray their personalities. As the novel opens, Holden stands alone on a hill that separates him from the rest of his peers. His stance is ironically similar to his view of the world; as an evil and corrupt place. Thus, when Mr. Spencer tells him that life†¦show more content†¦Salinger reveals that while on the surface Holden’s personality appears to be that of a typical immature, whiny, and alienated boy he’s actually one of the few people in the story that is caring and compassionate. Even with Ackley, Holden’s neighbor at Pencey, who Holden describes as ... about 64- with lousy teeth... he had a terrible personality. He was also sort of a nasty guy. I wasnt too crazy about him, to tell you the truth(Salinger 19) Holden’s poor description of Ackley’s revolting hygiene and features immediately disgusts the reader. Ackley also resembles a reaction of disgust since â€Å"Ack† is the time of reaction evoked when people are disgusted. Ackley also sounds like acne, which is one of Ackley’s more dominant features. Holden was deeply disgusted by Ackley, but even in his distaste for his roommate, Holden still said, â€Å"I was really glad to see him. He took my mind off the other stuff †(Salinger 21). Holden’s affectionate side is also seen in his loving description of Phoebe. He says â€Å"You’d like her...she was somebody you always felt like talking to on the phone†(Salinger 37). Throughout the novel Phoebe is always one of the firstShow MoreRelatedTheme Of The Catcher In The Rye976 Words   |  4 PagesThroughout the novel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger there are several different themes portrayed that widely relate to current issues of teenagers and adults alike. While reading the novel several different themes were revealed creating a deep and meaningful story line. Three themes viewed within the novel are; the phoniness of the adult world, alienation as a form of self-protection, and the painfulness of growing up. Each of these themes have large significance in character and plot developmentRead MoreHow Salinger’s Holden Caulfield Relates to Teenagers Throughout Time1412 Words   |  6 PagesHow Salinger’s Holden Caulfield Relat es to Teenagers Throughout Time In 1951, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye was #1 on the New York Time’s bestseller list. Since then, the American Literary Association claims The Catcher in the Rye is a â€Å"favorite of censors.† The use of harsh language and profanity has been a long time debate of educators causing the novel to be pulled off bookshelves and propelling J.D. Salinger and his protagonist, Holden Caulfield, into reluctant fame. TheRead MoreThe Themes of The Catcher in the Rye840 Words   |  3 PagesConsidered one of the best novels of the 20th century, The Catcher in the Rye has affected readers around the globe since its publication in 1951. Its contemporary critics, however, gave the novel mixed reviews. Compared to the ideals of 1950s America, Holden Caulfield, the emotionally immature, extremely judgmental, teen-aged main character of â€Å"Catcher,† embodies the antithesis. Holden was an affront to the new social order, which demanded conformity and p ropagated the â€Å"father knows best† mentalityRead MoreTheme Analysis of Alienation in Books the Catcher in the Rye and 19841390 Words   |  6 Pagesoriginates in its modern form with Marx. For Marx Alienation is a Condition occurring in pre-Socialist societies, where the human Nature of man is made other than; alienate what man is really capable of being? The novels the Catcher in the Rye and 1984 Present Characters who’s Inability To conform to the norms of their Society Results in their Alienation. Alienation is a feeling of not belonging. This feeling can be physical, mental, Religious, spiritual, psychological, politicalRead MoreComparing Shakespeare s Macbeth And The Catcher 1698 Words   |  7 PagesMacbeth and The Catcher in the Rye posses similar characteristics from that of the plot to the main characters. Throughout both stories the main characters display mental illnesses that afflict their judgement and situations around them. Shakespeare and J.D. salinger have both created lasting character that continue to relate to youth and adults today, but they do so in different ways. In the course of reading Macbeth and The Catcher in the Rye there were many comparable things, such as the wayRead MoreEtymology and Symbolism of Characters Names in Catcher in the Rye1967 Words   |  8 PagesThe Etymology and Symbolism of Characters Names in Catcher in the Rye      Ã‚  Ã‚   Catcher in the Ryes pallid cover, adorned only with seven multicolored bands in its upper-left corner, is not what one would call eye-catching. Its reverse side lacks criticisms or reviews of any sort; in fact, it is bare of anything except a copyright date. Human beings are advised not to judge books by their covers, rather that they should look further than the obvious and try to apprehend the implied meaningRead MoreCatcher In The Rye Essay example1672 Words   |  7 PagesLooking In Despite the debate that may wage on regarding the status to be afforded J. D. Salingers writings, the authors books have not quietly faded into obscurity. Although published almost a half-century ago, the authors most famous work, Catcher in the Rye, enjoys almost as healthy and devoted a following today as the book did when it was first published. Because of a self-imposed exile that began almost at the same time the Salingers career was just taking off, much of the substance of theRead MoreThe Theme Of Innocence In The Catcher In The Rye1222 Words   |  5 Pagesinnocence has vanished. Although Holden Caulfield is a fictional character, he would not stand for these kinds of issues. Through Salinger’s use of symbolism and Holden’s views, he depicts the message of innocence. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden’s hypocritical character clearly illuminates the message of children always growing-up. Because Holden is the protector, the message of innocence in The C atcher in the Rye is reinforced. The theme about innocence is that everyone tries very hard to protectRead More Catcher in the Rye Essay: Holden - The Misfit Hero2101 Words   |  9 PagesThe Misfit Hero of The Catcher In The Rye      Ã‚     The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger was published in 1951. A recurring theme in J.D. Salingers stories concerns people who dont fit in with the traditional American Culture. Salingers misfit heroes, unlike the rest of society, are caught in the struggle between a superficial world and a conscious morality (1 Wildermuth). In his attempt to create a new and realistic portrayal of the times, Salinger first, effectively creates Holden CaulfieldRead More Deceitfulness in The Scarlet Letter and The Catcher in the Rye2027 Words   |  9 PagesThe Scarlet Letter, by Nathaniel Hawthorne, and The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, both are books relating to the alienation of an individual wanting to fit into society. In the Scarlet Letter, the protagonists, Hester Prynne and Reverend Dimmesdale have committed adultery which is a sin unacceptable in the Puritan Society. Hester is married to Chillingworth, the strange doctor who is out for revenge. Pearl is born to Hester, a s an outcome of their sin however Hester does not reveal who the