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

join now Save Paper

Related Essays

  • The Catcher in the rye The Catcher in the Rye In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden views the world as an evil and corrupt place where there is no peace. ... 1261 words
  • Catcher in the Rye 3 Catcher in the Rye ampquotThereamp39s far more to the censorship issue than a ban on sex and fourletter words. I sometimes think that those ... 906 words
  • Catcher In The Rye THE CATCHER IN THE RYE By, JD Salinger The Catcher In The Rye, a novel written by JD Salinger, is appropriate reading for todayamp39s youth although he wrote this ... 957 words
  • Catcher in the Rye 8 ... Holden keeps talking to her though, and she finally says, ampquotWhat would you like to beampquot He said, ampquot I want to be the catcher in the rye.ampquot They go to the zoo the ... 1041 words
  • The Catcher in the Rye 2 ... In JD Salingersamp39 Catcher in the Rye, a troubled teenager named Holden Caulfield struggles with the fact that everyone has to grow up. ... 1043 words
  • Catcher in the Rye 6 ... physically straining moments. In The Catcher In The Rye, Holden Caulfield suffers much verbal abuse, as well as physical. Both forms of ... 769 words

Professional Essays

  • Catcher in the Rye The Catcher In The Rye An American State of Mind Introduction The dilemma posed by Holden Caulfield in JD Salingers The Catcher In The Rye is as timely ... 2632 words
  • The Catcher in the Rye JD Salinger, in The Catcher in the Rye, shows Holden Caulfield to be aware of both the values of childhood and of the loss of these values as one grows older. ... 1709 words
  • Catcher in the Rye ampamp The Great Gatsby ... The Catcher in the Rye A. Holden Caulfield 1. Need to communicate 2. Communication failures 3. Critic of society 4. Active character B. Holden and society 1 ... 2100 words
  • JD Salinger JD Salinger Introduction Writer of one of the most successful works of American literature of all time, The Catcher in the Rye, author JD Salinger remains a ... 998 words
  • JD Salinger JD Salinger Introduction Writer of one of the most successful works of American literature of all time, The Catcher in the Rye, author JD Salinger remains a ... 998 words
  • Aristotleamp39s Methodology and Literature The main character in the novel The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger represents a response to society as the novelist uses that character, Holden Caulfield ... 1653 words


Saved Paper

Save your papers so you can locate them quickly!

Newest Essays

Testimonials

  • "Thank You So Much!!! You have saved me once again!!!"
    Jack M.
  • "With so many papers to chose from, I was able to get ideas to help me with all of my classes. Thank You!"
    Brian P.
  • "I've used this site for the last 3 years to help me come up with ideas for my papers."
    Sara J.
  • "I use this site every week to help me write my own papers!"
    Rachel W.
  • "I love this site!!!"
    Marie N.
Home Join Now Support
Acceptable Use Policy About us FAQ
All papers are for research and reference purposes only!
© 2002-2009 DirectEssays.com. All Rights Reserved.