I'm Crazy

J.D Salinger’s fictional novel ‘The Catcher in the Rye’ explores ideas of coming of age and challenging society’s morals through the life of Holden Caulfield, the young protagonist of the novel. The term ‘coming of age’ can be defined as when someone reaches an important stage in development and is accepted by a large number of people. The word ‘morals’ is concerned with the principles or rules of right conduct or the distinction of right and wrong. Themes such as innocence, isolation and youth reside

The Etymology and Symbolism of Characters' Names in Catcher in the Rye       Catcher in the Rye's 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 meaning

is in the limbo between childhood and adulthood. Anyway, I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and nobody's around — nobody big, I mean — except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff — I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That's all I'd do all day

before seeing her. When they first meet, he says, “She looked terrific. The funny part is, I felt like marrying her the minute I saw her. I’m crazy. I didn’t even like her much, and yet all of a sudden I felt like I was in love with her and I wanted to marry her. I swear to God I’m crazy. I admit it.” Following the matinee, they decide to go ice skating, which eventually leads to an interesting conversation between them.

That's all I'd do all day.”(Salinger 173) For Holden his dream to become the “Catcher in the Rye” idealizes his own vision and view of growing up. His description of himself catching children from falling of a crazy cliff, is symbolic of his desire to safeguard children's innocence from falling off the cliff which represents the fall to adulthood and therefore loss of innocence. Just like how the truck comes saves the ducks from the hardships of winter, Holden

The transition between childhood into adolescence is an essential period in one’s life that shapes how individual feels about themselves. This transition can be difficult for some individuals because they are unable to find their self-identity. In J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye Holden Caulfield neglects growing up and finds it difficult to search for his life ambitions. Similarly, in Sylvia Plath’s The Bell Jar, Esther Greenwood struggles internally to fulfil her ambitions and conform to societal

He boasts, “I’m the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. It’s awful. If I’m on the way to the store to buy a magazine, even, and somebody asks me where I’m going, I’m liable to say I’m going to the opera,” (Salinger 22). Holden’s lack of physical strength coupled with his dishonesty shows that he does not possess heroic qualities. Holden also lacks courage, which is uncharacteristic of a true hero. A self-described coward, Holden states, “ It’s no fun being yellow. Maybe I’m not all yellow…

his roommate, Ackley, Holden still talks to and hangs out with him because some part of him likes having someone around. One last issue that may contribute to the problems Holden faces from school is that he could do better. Holden says so himself, “I’m quite illiterate but I read a lot.”(21) When he says this, he means that though people may perceive him to be unintelligent, he enjoys books and learning. Different people throughout the story tell him the same thing. Holden just needs to try. However

Sarah Sjoholm Mr. Gott Scale English 4 30 October 2017 In many novels the title of the story is more important than most people initially think. It often reveals important information about the story. The Catcher in the Rye is a title whose significance gradually becomes apparent as the novel progresses. Written by JD Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye is a coming-of-age novel in which the main character, Holden Caulfield, wishes to preserve the innocence of children. Through the title, this theme

nobody's around—nobody big, I mean –except me. And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff—I mean if they're running and they don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. 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. I know it's crazy." (Salinger 224-225). In the novel, The Catcher