What are the themes in The Catcher in the Rye?

What are the themes in The Catcher in the Rye?

In Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger focuses on two main themes: protecting the innocent and isolation. One of the primary themes in the novel is protecting the innocent. Throughout the novel, Holden reminisces about his younger brother, Allie, who has passed away.

What did Holden lie about in Chapter 3?

After a short discourse on lying, Holden moves on to tell us that he lives in a dormitory donated by an alumnus named Ossenburger, who made all his money with cheap funeral parlors. Holden doesn’t like the guy (Ossenburger came to Pencey to give a big, “corny speech” about praying to Jesus).

What does Holden reveal Ackley?

Ackley is a pimply, insecure boy with terrible dental hygiene. He often barges into Holden’s room and acts completely oblivious to Holden’s hints that he should leave. Holden believes that Ackley makes up elaborate lies about his sexual experience.

What is the terrible thing that happens when Holden leaves the bar?

After Luce leaves, Holden stays at the bar and gets very drunk. He stumbles to the phone booth and makes an incoherent late-night call to Sally Hayes, angering both her and her grandmother. He then tries to make a date with the lounge singer, an attractive woman named Valencia.

What does Holden reveal about lying?

What does holden reveal about lying? Holden reveals that he is the ” Most terrific liar you ever saw in your life”. Who is Ossenburger? Ossenburger was a former Pencey student who became an undertaker, made a lot of money and donated a chunk to the school.

What does Phoebe mean to Holden?

Phoebe’s character challenges Holden’s view of the world: she is a child, but she does not fit into Holden’s romanticized vision of childlike innocence. Although she never explicitly states it, Phoebe seems to realize that Holden’s bitterness toward the rest of the world is really bitterness toward himself.

Who is Sally Hayes to Holden?

Sally Hayes is a beautiful young woman whom Holden has dated in the past. Like Holden, Sally goes to a private school, but her school lets out for winter break earlier than Pencey, which is why she’s able to meet Holden in New York City when he calls her.

Why does Holden smoke and drink?

Holden Caulfield uses smoking and drinking as an escape from his stressful life. Many people try to escape reality by drinking, smoking, and lying. Holden is trying to mask his problems and the reality of the situation that he finds himself in.

What is the plot summary of the catcher in the Rye?

Plot Overview. The Catcher in the Rye is set around the 1950s and is narrated by a young man named Holden Caulfield. Holden is not specific about his location while he’s telling the story, but he makes it clear that he is undergoing treatment in a mental hospital or sanatorium.

What are some literary devices in the catcher in the Rye?

J.D. Salinger uses many literary devices throughout this novel. Three of them include: symbolism, irony, and motifs. Symbols are objects, characters, figures, and colors used to represent abstract ideas or concepts. A symbol used in The Catcher in the Rye is Holden ‘s red hunting hat.

Who are the characters in the catcher in the Rye?

Holden Caulfield is the narrator and main character of The Catcher in the Rye. The novel recounts Holden’s week in New York City during Christmas break following his expulsion from Pencey Prep , a preparatory school in Pennsylvania based loosely on Salinger ‘s alma mater Valley Forge Military Academy .