How does Salinger characterize Holden?
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.
What are symbols in The Catcher in the Rye?
The red hunting hat is one of the most recognizable symbols from twentieth-century American literature. It is inseparable from our image of Holden, with good reason: it is a symbol of his uniqueness and individuality. The hat is outlandish, and it shows that Holden desires to be different from everyone around him.
What specific qualities create Holden’s narrative voice?
Yet another characteristic of Holden’s voice is the pervasive use of filler phrases and qualifiers, which mimic the rhythms of speech, and also call attention to his trustworthiness as a narrator.
What language is used in The Catcher in the Rye?
English
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.
Is Holden Caulfield a good person?
Holden Caulfield He isn’t particularly good-looking, creative, or funny. He irritates people all the time. But, Holden is also one of literature’s favorite characters. He’s noble: he has an unceasing desire to protect his family, Jane, and children everywhere.
Is Holden Caulfield asexual?
Holden, between his developed asexual tendencies and avoidance of sex, is likely asexual. Holden has been discouraged from sexual behavior due to his prior experiences with rape, molestation, and sexual harassment, this being …show more content…
What is Holden’s weakness?
The first weakness to note about the character of Holden Caulfield is his judgemental tendencies. Throughout the first ten chapters this weakness becomes increasingly frequent.
What gives Holden strength?
One of the strengths of J. D. Salinger’s novel is that the author does a thoroughly convincing job of making the reader believe the story is actually being told by a sixteen-year-old boy in contemporary teenage vernacular.
How is Holden insecure?
Holden Caulfield is a very insecure adolescent, which is apparent through his interactions with almost everyone except his sister, Phoebe. These insecurities are manifested as a constant fearfulness of others’ words and behavior toward him. I’m quite a nervous guy.” After he leaves, Holden sits and worries some more.
What Holden learns about himself?
For one thing, Holden certainly seems aware of his own mental instability. After spontaneously asking an old romantic flame, Sally Hayes, if she wants to get married, he reflects on his impulsive action: “I don’t even know why I started that stuff with her . . . I swear to God I’m a madman” (134).