Phony Holden: The Unreliable Narrator in J.D. Salinger’sThe

Catcher in the RyeSusana WalcottMr. Dan FloresEnglish III/5th May 1, 2014

The theme Holden’s alienation in Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is

evident whenever Holden wears the hunting hat in chapter three,

when Ackley asks, “Where the

hellja get that hat?” (22), alienates

Holden. Thanks to this symbol,

he likes the individuality it gives

him, which sets him apart from

the phonies in the world.

Holden behaves like a phony when he’s around women:

• “Rudolf Schmidt, I told her…Rudolf Schmidt was the name of the janitor of our dorm” (55). He lies to Ernest Morrow’s mother about his name and makes up deceiving stories about her son.

In the resolution, Holden, the unreliable narrator, transforms himself into a protagonist

for whom hope exists:

“If a kid wants to go for the brass ring [while riding the carousel], you just have to let them” (203). This refers to the only scene in which Holden sounds mature, as the previously offended Phoebe makes up with Holden and accepts his offer of a carousel ride.

J.D. Salinger Biography

Born on January 1, 1919, in New York City. In 1953, Salinger moved from NYC and led a secluded life, only publishing one new story before his death. Salinger inserted his own autobiographical facts, which make Holden a “little Jerry Salinger.” For example, both were born and raised in New York City, were weak students, flunked out of schools, including one in Pennsylvania, suffered nervous breakdowns, opposed war, and last, both were strong writers.

Work CitedSalinger, J.D.. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Back Bay Books, 2010. Print