What are Holden character traits in The Catcher in the Rye?
What are Holden character traits in The Catcher in the Rye?
Holden Caulfield Although he is intelligent and sensitive, Holden narrates in a cynical and jaded voice. He finds the hypocrisy and ugliness of the world around him almost unbearable, and through his cynicism he tries to protect himself from the pain and disappointment of the adult world.
How does language reveal Holden’s character?
In addition to marking his desire to be seen as rebellious, Holden’s language also indicates his immaturity. Rather than using profanity for emphasis, or to express extreme emotion, Holden uses words like “goddamn” as verbal placeholders, examples of the intellectual laziness Mr.
What does the Rye symbolize in Catcher in the Rye?
The title of The Catcher in the Rye is a reference to “Comin’ Thro the Rye,” a Robert Burns poem and a symbol for the main character’s longing to preserve the innocence of childhood. “If a body catch a body coming through the rye.” Holden describes the scene (and the singer): “The kid was swell.
How does Holden develop as a character?
Holden does change and grow as a character because he lets go of wanting to protect innocence in the world, we see Holden begin to grow into what Erik Erikson believes is the stage of development for adolescents, and he starts to be willing to apply himself.
What mental illness does Holden Caulfield have?
Holden displays many common traits of a person with PTSD following this loss. He has substantial amounts of guilt and depression and struggles to remember the details of events in his life. Holden’s emotions seem to be highly unbalanced
Does Holden call Jane?
Holden decides that girls always say that as an excuse to date arrogant boys. Finally, he calls Jane, but no one answers. He then calls a boy named Carl Luce, whom he used to know at the Whooton School, and Luce agrees to meet him for drinks later that night.
Why does Holden never call Jane?
Salinger shows that Jane is more important as a fantasy figure because Holden’s desire to see her in the present is vastly outweighed by his desire to continue to believe that she is as innocent as she was during their childhood, an thus he decides against calling Jane.
Who does Holden call instead of Jane?
Sally Hayes
Why is Holden so protective of Jane?
Holden is nervous about his going out with Jane because of Stradlater’s sexual experience. He does not want Stradlater to make a move on Jane because he fancies her for himself (despite being too awkward to do anything about it). Holden uses the term “nervous,” but actually he feels jealous, possessive, and protective.
Is Holden in love with Jane?
Jane never actually appears in the story, but Holden frequently thinks about her. She seems to be the one girl – indeed, the one person – of his own age whom he genuinely likes. Holden, then, regards Jane as a close friend and is probably deeply attracted to her. However, he can never bring himself to even phone her.
When did Holden Kiss Jane?
Summary: Chapter 11 One day, Jane’s alcoholic stepfather came out to the porch where Holden and Jane were playing checkers and asked Jane for cigarettes; Jane refused to answer him, and, when he left, she began to cry. Holden held her, kissing her face and comforting her.
What does Holden like about Jane?
Holden loves Jane’s idiosyncrasies. He loves it that she played golf with her eyes closed and once lost eight balls in a single round. He loves it that she is “muckle-mouthed,” sending her lips in all directions when she is excited about something she is telling him.
Why does Holden call Carl Luce?
In Chapter Nineteen, Holden admits that the main reason he called his childhood friend Carl Luce, besides wanting some company, is that old Luce was always good for a sex talk. Carl lets it drop that he’s dating a much older woman, that she’s Chinese, “if you must know” (19.28). …
What does Holden do to kill time?
2. Where does Holden go to kill time before he had to meet his friend at 10 p.m.? Holden goes to the movies at Radio City. This makes Holden a hypocrite because he hates the movies but went anyway.
Why is Phoebe upset with Holden?
Summary and Analysis Chapter 22. Phoebe continues to be terribly upset over Holden’s dismissal from Pencey Prep. She is sure that their father will be very upset with her brother. Holden says he’ll merely be sent to a military school, if he is still around; he plans to head for Colorado to work on a ranch.
What does Holden say about Phoebe?
Phoebe is “only a little kid” and Holden feels like she has a good head, but he can’t really communicate with her because he can never call her. Holden considers his little sister smart, even though she is so young. At ten years old, skinny Phoebe is one of the few people Holden feels a connection with.
Is Phoebe a phony?
Phoebe is Holden’s younger sister. He refers to her as “old” Phoebe as a term of endearment. Meaning, good old Phoebe, one of the only people that Holden really trusts. For Holden, all adults are phonies and cannot be trusted to tell the truth.
What Phoebe means?
In Greek mythology, Phoebe was a Titan associated with the power of prophecy as well as the moon. This was also an epithet of her granddaughter Artemis.
What age did Allie die?
11 years old
Why is Holden Caulfield depressed?
His past traumas and current issues have led him to depression. In the beginning, Holden tells readers about the two deaths he experienced. His younger brother, Allie, died of leukemia three years prior, which greatly impacted him emotionally. The entire novel, Holden struggles to come to terms with growing up.
Why does Holden call Carl?
In Chapter Nineteen, Holden admits that the main reason he called his childhood friend Carl Luce, besides wanting some company, is that old Luce was always good for a sex talk. Apparently, all he did at the Whooton school as a student adviser was “give these sex talks …
Is Holden religious Chapter 14?
In chapter 14, Holden is depressed again. He is thinking of his younger brother, Allie, who had died of leukemia years ago. He admits to talking to Allie now and idolizes his lost brother. He says he sees himself as an atheist, but admits to liking Jesus.
Why does Holden say money turns blue?
Goddam money. It always ends up making you blue as hell. Holden picks up on the usual critique of consumerism and greed: money corrupts and does not in itself buy happiness.
Is Holden Caulfield wealthy?
Holden comes from a rich and wealthy family. In the novel is says, While I was in the cab, I took out my wallet and sort of counted my money. I don’t remember exactly what I had left, but it was no fortune or anything.