Holden Caulfield/Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye’s superficial protagonist, Holden Caulfield, has been compared to Salinger and his young spirit. Caulfield has remained as an influential and evoking character in American Literature. His adolescent appeal seems to be the reason for the novel’s overall success and survival. Although Caulfield appealed to many young readers, he would often disconnect with the readers. It has been speculated that Caulfield was developed to challenge various readers. He challenges them with his different roles, such as: “insider and outsider, pacifist and rebel, nonconformist, masochist, optimist, liar, and learner” (Mills, Clifford. “A Critical Perspective on the Writings of J.D. Salinger”). The character felt a sense of isolation, despite his social attitude toward the many characters in the novel. Caulfield refers to many unhappy characters as “phony.” This referral can be considered as a thought or action from Salinger himself. Salinger has been heavily compared to his various characters. His attitude and perception of society relate to Caulfield and his portrayal of life. Caulfield contained many similar qualities Salinger. Salinger lived a reclusive and simple life after the he left his career. He resided into his quiet New Hampshire home. Although he is quite similar to his famous character, he differs in some aspects. Caulfield seemed to accept conformity in the resolution of The Catcher in the Rye. Salinger did not want accept fame and fortune. He secluded himself into his New Hampshire home and found little time to socialize with various acquaintances. Many readers claim that Salinger mocked or loved his various characters. After being studied by biographers, Salinger’s characters were claimed to have realistic traits and qualities. Many characters in his novels were based off of real characters Salinger had encountered throughout his life. By placing these factual characters in his novels, Salinger created a realistic vibe to his stories. Without these acquaintances, Salinger’s imaginative characters could possibly lack truth and reality. Salinger’s personality and ideology is displayed in his novel’s characters. He had created an imaginative world in which his characters inhabited.