Catcher in the Rye

A detailed Summary of Catcher in the Rye


So, where do the ducks go in winter...?

"The Catcher in the Rye" is a disturbing, yet excellent story about the trials of the day-to-day life of a teenage boy. It has been incredibly written by J.D. Salinger, and it portrays the boy's reactions to the different people and aspects of American society in the late 1940's. 'It is a tale that exists independent of any larger meaning or message'.

Holden Caulfield is at the age between childhood and adulthood, and the story of "The Catcher in the Rye" develops around the theme of him making that transition. Holden seems to be afraid of growing up, as the 'adult' responsibilities seem all too much for him to face, this is shown by his continued 'flunking' of his exams, even though it is obvious that he is intelligent. It is evident, that he lives in a 'child-like' dream, one of adventure, and that is why he 'escapes' from Pencey Prep. prematurely.

Holden begins the story with a bold, yet sarcastic declaration, he tells us that he will not tell us about his 'lousy' childhood and 'all that David Copperfield kind of crap'. Holden is the narrator of the book in the first person, and this makes it at times biased, and his style of narration discloses his lack of any coherent v


When we are introduced to Holden's roommate Stradlater, and another Pencey student, Ackley, we are given a brief image of them, and their contrasting types of behaviour, but we have to then keep in mind the fact that we have a narrator whose conceptions of the characters reveal his particular point of view. Stradlater is a downright 'phony' who we see as being friendly and considerate, but also self-centered ad arrogant. Ackley on the other hand has got no manners, and Holden views him as being an irritation, but then later goes to him for pity, and recognition.



Some common words found in the essay are:
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Approximate Word count = 1067
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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