The Catcher in the Rye

J. D. Salinger

Book report by Antoaneta Nikolova

Plot Summary The Catcher in the Rye is set around

the 1950s and is narrated by a young man named Holden Caulfield. The events he narrates take place when Holden is sixteen years old. He is not specific about his location while he’s telling the story. Holden has failed out of three schools and Pencey is his fourth. There he has failed four out of five of his classes and has received notice that he is being expelled, but he is not scheduled to return home to Manhattan until Wednesday. Holden leaves school two days early to explore New York before returning home, interacting with teachers, prostitutes, nuns, an old girlfriend, and his sister along the way.

ThemesLoss of Innocence - Holden cannot bear to accept the death of Allie, the death of pure innocence that had no good reason to suffer or die. In Holden's eyes, Allie is truth, while everyone else is “phony.”

Phoniness vs. Authenticity - Holden labels almost everyone a “phony,” excepting Phoebe, Allie, and himself. In Holden's eyes, a “phony” is someone who tries to make something out of nothing—that is, just about everyone who studies in school. All Holden wants is some authentic living who knows nothing of the world’s superficiality.

ThemesLack of Authority Figures - Holden is profoundly alone. His parents are absent except for insisting that he progress and stay in school as long as he can. His parents do not let him regroup but send him off to the next school. At Pencey, Holden finds no adult to trust with his feelings. Overall, Holden views adults with disappointment.

Life and Death - A key part of Holden’s emotional life involves his reaction to Allie’s death. People live for a while, but all too soon we all die. Allie did not choose it, but Holden thinks James Castle, a boy who jumped out the window at school and fell to his death. Holden himself entertains thoughts of a similar suicide.It is a decision, however, that remains impossible for Holden.

ConflictsHolden vs Himself - Holden has a difficult time dealing with everyday life. His thoughts almost seem to be working against him because he cannot cope with reality. He feels it is necessary to accuse everyone and everything he comes across as being phony. By doing this, he is distracting himself from his own flaws. As a prisoner in his own mind, Holden is also becoming less capable to cope with life and the transition into adulthood.

Holden vs Society - Holden is unable to relate to other characters in the novel. Phoebe seems to be the only person that Holden feels he can relate with, this may be because she is still young and has yet to enter the adult world. Holden wants to hold on to his childhood, yet he tries to fit in as part of the adult world. He believes the this world is full of "phonies".

Personal opinion From the start I knew that ‘’The Catcher in the Rye’’ wasn’t my usual type of book. However I decided to give it a shot. I can’t say I was completely disappointed nor was I impressed. Surprisingly I managed to finish the book in two days. I think the reason for that was the boredom I felt while reading it. So I just wanted it to end sooner. Also the language that was used in the book didn’t quite fit me. I was intrigued by what would have happened when Holden met his parents. When that didn’t happen it flustered me. Truly I felt like I could relate to the themes in the book. For instance I found the relationship between Holden and his sister compelling. I admit Phoebe is my favorite character in the book. She is very intelligent for her age and that impressed me. In conclusion I don’t regret I read it. It gave me an idea of a classical book. I won’t recommend it to someone who wants an exciting and breath-taking experience. On the other hand I would suggest it to someone who is up to thinking and observing the world around him.