The Catcher in the Rye #6

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

"That's all I'd do all day. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that's the only thing I'd really like to be" (Salinger, 173).

As the novel comes to an end, it is evident that Holden wants to be a "catcher in the rye." He initially mentions it early in the book as he hears a kid singing a song about it while he was roaming the city. When he speaks to his sister, he finally explains what it means. He wants to catch children before they have to face the adult world and grow up. Holden especially wants to catch his sister and this seems to be his goal once he goes home to see her. He sees her growing up and he wants to ensure that she doesn't do that before he even has the chance to. When Holden goes to her school, he realizes that it is not just Phoebe that he needs to save from growing up, but the children at her school. As he walks the halls to give her the note to meet him, he sees the derogatory words written on the walls and does his best to get rid of them. The idea Holden has of catching children before they grown up changes him and his goal in life. Through the novel, Holden reaches a place where he belongs. He belongs as the catcher in the rye.

The Catcher in the Rye #5

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

"She's very neat, for a child. I mean she doesn't just throw her stuff round, like some kids. She's no slob" (Salinger, 159).

Holden's relationship seems to be complicated based on the information Holden shares with the reader. He mostly complains about his parents and older brother while caring for his sister. The death of his brother has definitley rocked the relationship of his family where they are not comfortable together. I think this is partly why Holden seems to be acting out especially because he is gone away at school. One thought would be that Holden reminds his parents of his brother too much so they sent him away to a variety of boarding schools. Personally, if my family was as nervous and emotionally rattled like his family seems to be, I would want to go away from my family for a while. The other conflict Holden seems to be having with his family is with his sister growing up too fast. Holden quickly notes how Phoebe acts much more grown up when he goes home to see her. She is sleeping and living in D.B.'s room with all of the large furniture, she is neat, and she dresses like an adult. This hurts Holden knowing that she is ready to grow up faster than he is. Also, Holden notes how his mother is usually up in the middle of the night smoking because she is so nervous and can't sleep after his brother died. The reminder of his parent's struggling as adults does not coax Holden any more about being an adult. Overall, the stress and anxiety after Allie's death seems to keep the family from being close. This seems to be a main reason for Holden acting out and wanting to stay an ignorant kid.