The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger was published in 1951. It was originally published for adult readers, but the growing connection between adolescence for the theme regarding confusion, sexuality, isolation, and rebellion. The protagonist in The Catcher in the Rye is Holden Caulfield who represents these themes. Throughout most of the novel Holden is trying to make his way in a world where he feels that he does belong to. In Catcher in the Rye, Salinger depicts Holden as a lost teenager feeling alienated to protect himself from the adults in his life. As well, his alienation symbolizes the little strength he has in his life which contributes to his problems throughout most of the novel. However, Salinger reveals humor to camouflage Holden's depression and anxious moments, and offers it as a catalyst to Holden's layers of personality, it also steers the reader away from an ongoing sense of tiresome hopelessness. Salinger likes to balance comedy with tragedy in his novel.

Holden's innocence and permanence exhibit him as a tragic and moving character who reveals dark behaviors which under the surface are amusing. These amusing events surface as Holden gets involved with the outside world. His dark humor is found in the men who were cursing as they unloaded the Christmas tree, which is in fact cursing at Christ. Holden recognizes the pathetic nature of the scene when he sarcastically says, "It certainly was a gorgeous way to talk about a Christmas tree" (Salinger 196). Holden's comment breaks the seriousness of the matter making it less severe. Phrases such as this and other use of language include more comedy to the story; and the reader is frequently forced to chuckle at Holden's honest, mistaken, views.

Salinger knows when to tone down the immensity of Holden's depression with humor to change the depressing tone of the novel into revealing Holden's character. In some periods Salinger avoids Holden's depression as he gets into unsure conversations with the New York cabbie who tries to explain where the ducks from central Park lagoon go in the winter. Do trucks come and get them? It is a funny question he puts to the cabbies. Also, Holden surfaces an amusing personality and not always a miserable figure as he pondered with that absurd question. In another humorous event Holden was the team manager who was responsible for getting his team to a fencing match. But, Holden "left all the foils and equipment and stuff on the goddam subway" (Salinger 3). Looking back Holden laughed at himself and that provided the reader to join with him and stay connected. That connection proved a deeper meaning and effect.

Holden experiences a lot of sadness when he lost his brother Allie, who he adored, from leukemia. The loss of his brother affected him deeply and contributed to Holden's ongoing depression