Catcher in the Rye

9th grade Lit/Comp Honors

8th period

September 3, 2011

Summer Reading Annotations

In Catcher in the Rye Holden Caulfield is a boy who hasn't grown up. Holden has been kicked out of many schools and as the story begins he is being kicked out of another. Holden decides to leave school early and have a vacation before his parents find out that he has been thrown out of another school. Throughout Catcher in the Rye Holden judges people childishly and points out peoples flaws before he fixes his own. Holden is scared of sexual relationships as is demonstrated when he rejects his hooker Sunny, he continually ruins his other relationships with people because he is too childish to understand reality. One example is when Holden is on a date with Sally Hayes and he ruins the date by suggesting that they run away and start a new life. Sally rejects his idea because it is not rational and Holden becomes mad and calls her stupid. Holden shows many negative characteristics with respect to people including his own family. He is content not to work for money he receives as is evidenced by his receipt of birthday money from his Grandma when it is not even his birthday.

My passage starts at the end of the novel where Holden wants to talk to his sister Phoebe before he runs away. When she wants to come with Holden he says no and this angers Phoebe and she walks away from him. Hating the rejection of one of Holden's only friends he follows her to soothe her anger, she eventually accepts his apology and he in return agrees to stay. The two see a carrousel by the zoo and Holden suggest she ride it. Phoebe says she is too big for it but he insists, Phoebe asks for him to come, but Holden says no. This symbolizes the start of Holden growing up, the carrousel also symbolizes child playfulness and Holden finally understands that he has to grow up and become a role model. Phoebe gives back the red hunting hat (which is sentimental to her) so that Holden won't get wet from the rain. This symbolizes how Holden's family will always help him and be there for him however since the hat doesn't fully protect him from the rain it also means he will still have to do stuff for himself. The rain symbolizes the challenges that Holden will face, the hat which he receives to protect him from the rain symbolizes that he won't face these challenges alone.