The ‘catcher in the rye’ is a novel by J D Salinger. The novel carries the novel, themes on teenage rebellion, confusion, alienation and anger. The novel’s main character, Holden Caulfield presents the key themes through his representation in the novel. In the novel, Caulfield narrates his story from a hospital bed. He gets to address the reader on the events that culminated to his breakdown the last December (Salinger 14). Holden gets faced with depression, impulsive spending, nervous breakdown, vulgarity, sexual exploration and other erratic behaviors. Holden candidly narrates his story, which can get associated to the present day youth through the issues he gets faced with in the novel. The novel through its character of Holden creates a mirror image, which can get used to provide glimpses into the troubles facing the youth of today. Holden has already failed in three schools and is about to get expelled in his fourth school, Pencey prep, after failing in four of his five classes (Salinger 10). This paper will aim at analyzing a scene in the novel, which portrays enormous significance to the development of the novel. The paper will also explain the importance of the scene to the novel’s development.
The scene that strikes the most in the novel is when Holden misinterprets the meaning of a catcher in the rye. According to him, it refers saving children from losing their innocence (Salinger 165). Holden, while in his parent’s apartments talks to Phoebe, his younger sister on his fantasy of becoming the sole guardian of children playing in a rye field on the edge of a cliff. His job as the guardian is to catch the children in case they came close to falling off the cliff in the rye field. He believes this is the meaning of a catcher in the rye and he puts it as saving the children from their innocence. Through this scene, the novel presents the confusion Holden encounters. He cannot comprehend the direct meaning of a catcher in the rye, but through his confusion he still has a noble cause of saving children. This scene presents the purpose for the novel, which can get viewed as saving teenagers from the dangers in their oblivion. Holden wants to save children, and through his confusion and character portrayal, he can well save youths in the real world through the issues discussed in the novel. Symbolically, the meaning of catcher in the rye can be to save children from the evils of adulthood. Much of the issues that face Holden get encountered in present day life and by reading this novel, teenagers can relate to and make better choices in the event they get faced with similar troubles.
As Holden grapples with finding out the meaning of the catcher in the rye, he enlists support and advice from his former English teacher Mr. Antolini. Mr. Antolini gets to offer Holden a place to sleep and some advice. He imparts advice to him by stating that a mature man should live humbly than dying nobly for the same cause (Salinger 171). This advice by Mr. Antolini further confuses Holden as it is at ends with his idea of becoming a catcher in the rye. This scene marks the turning point for Holden as he gets advice from his former teacher. He gets to think about his role as a catcher in the rye, and whether he will get to pursue it. Symbolically, this may apply to the youth of today as they get faced with career choices. Most youth seem confused on who they want to be, just as Holden is in this scene. He seeks for advice, but he is confused further. Through this scene, Mr. Antolini appears as a character that is almost close to understanding Holden. He does not judge his character and appears to offer him support through his non-judgmental take on Holden. He understands that Holden is different from other students and imparts advice in an unconventional manner. He asks Holden to find something that is most appropriate to him and follow it. The scene represents an almost ideal figure of support to teenagers through Mr. Antolini. He provides advice in a manner that Holden wants and likes. Through his support and advice to Holden, Mr. Antolini does not appear as an authoritative figure (Salinger 185). He offers the support that Holden is calling out for by presenting an understanding ear first. This scene marks a vital part of the novel. Holden, for the first time, appear to get some proper advice on his desires. Symbolically, it presents the reader with a view on the manner in which the youth should get advice by the elderly.
Conclusion
The ‘catcher in the rye’ is a consuming read. It provides a peek through the life of a teenager who is depressed and grapples around with various issues in life. The novel touches on themes ranging from depression, confusion, anger and rebellion, which are relevant to most teenagers. An interesting scene in the book appears when Holden tries to get behind the meaning of a catcher in the rye. It offers a perspective on his confusion as well as his desires. The scene leads up to Holden to receive advice from his beloved, former English teacher too. This scene almost serves as a gate away for Holden’s troubles.
Works Cited
Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Penguin Books, 2010.
