Holden Caulfield

The Catcher in the Rye contains a confused, questioning, and reclusive young man as the protagonist. He is lost in his society yet he would like to discover it further. Holden Caulfield is the novel’s key aspect to success. Caulfield contains radical theories and ideals that many find dumbfounding. His ability to question society and his placement is quite prominent toward the novel’s survival and success. Caulfield can be heavily compared to his creator, J.D. Salinger. Salinger contains similar qualities that were found in Caulfield. Due to this strong similarity, many readers are infatuated with Salinger and his personal life because of their unbreakable connection with the fictitious character.

Throughout the novel, Caulfield seems to bring back memories of his late brother. These memories create a back-story into Caulfield’s life. Although his brother has passed, Caulfield has one remaining sibling. His strong connection with his sister is due to his love and admiration toward his late brother. Through this rough affection, readers gain a sentimental side to Caulfield, which he seemed to lack earlier in the novel.

During the novel, Caulfield often thinks of old classmates which he did not seem to get along with. He speaks of them as “phonies” just as the other people placed in his society. Toward the end of the novel, Caulfield begins to realize his sentimentality toward the “phony” classmates. He begins to miss them and their odd antics.

Caulfield’s change of attitude throughout the novel is quite odd, yet readers grow with the character throughout these changes. Although the novel conveyed suggestive themes, Caulfield’s portrayal of life was realistic and truthful. His perception of society allows readers to question their own reality.

Holden Caulfield related to various adolescent readers. Being an adolescent himself, he struggled with the hardships of life. His journey through the city seemed quite intriguing as well. This adventure gives the novel a free and open feeling. Throughout the novel, Holden Caulfield adapts to conformity. With this adaption, readers feel a change in their personalities as well.