The Catcher in the Rye
A detailed Summary of The Catcher in the Rye
What does it feel like to always be confused and second-guessing yourself? In Salinger's
Catcher in the Rye there is somebody who does know. This very same cloud of
uncertainty haunts Holden Caulfield. Not only was it frustrating but his uncertainty takes
over his life. If it wasn't for the death of his brother, Allie, depression and uncertainty
would not have been such a strong factor in Holden's life. Holden wishes to banish all
evil throughout the novel, yet comes to the realization that he cannot. As a result,
achieving success in any endeavor is very difficult. Holden's emotional well-being is at
stake and he wants to escape his current world to assume a new identity in another.
However, near the end of the novel he finds one thing he is certain of: with all the evil in
this world, Holden's goal is to preserve the innocence of all children especially his sister,
Pheobe. Thus, the author suggests living a life of uncertainty is difficult but finding
something one is certain of can be the quickest cure.
People make choices everyday, whether it be sleeping, walking, left or right, we
make simple choices each day. Not only is Holden uncertain about the little things, but
the big things as well. Holden struggles w

teach them lessons on how to deal with unfortunate situations if they should arise.
drank, cursed and criticized life in general to make it seem he was very knowing of these
because it was something he enjoyed and put his effort towards. He explains to Mr.
of others - a condition he beings to accept at the end of the story." (Research 1). Holden
greatest gift a person could have. Holden wants to protect her from what he believes is
condescendingly to Holden and quickly abandons him in the bar, where he is left getting
Phoebe that he wants to prevent children from growing up. He blames the world's
However, failure is the first step in success for Holden if he wants it to be.
Some common words found in the essay are:
Catcher Rye, Holden Caulfield, School Holden, Phoebe Holden, Holden Luce, James Castle, Sally Holden, Spencer Holden's, David Copperfield, Allie Allie, preserve innocence, children growing, sister phoebe, holden reveals, catcher rye, holden's life, life holden, escape world, contemplates heading west, plans holden, holden contemplates, pretend deaf-mute live, heading west pretend, deaf-mute live quiet, live quiet life,
Approximate Word count = 1936
Approximate Pages = 8 (250 words per page double spaced)
Category: Novels
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