Hi Everyone:
In the comment section below, identify a
short passage in Catcher in the Rye to discuss, and then write a
response in which you explain the significance of the passage both on
its own and as it relates to the book as a whole. Remember the
guidelines for annotation:
** Do you notice any repeating patterns of language / imagery / ideas?
** Can you make any connections within the passage and to other parts of the book outside the passage?
** Does something seem significant (even if you do not know exactly why)?
** Does the passage reveal something about a character or the book as a whole?
You do not need to copy the passage; just indicate a page range. Thank you.
Pg. 54-58
ReplyDeleteIn this passage, Holden is talking to Ernest Morrow's mother. He continues with his pathological liar scheme, though, telling her that his name is Rudolph Schmidt. She asks him about her son, whom he attended pencey with. He lies about him being popular and nice, which i see as being a nice gesture, because it made his mom feel good. Although he lied, he didn't do it for the wrong reason, weather he realized it or not. He seems like a good guy deep down , who wants to make people happy. But he also talks about how his Mrs. Marrow is apparently very attractive, and he went into detail about how everything she did was seductive to him because he is a bit of a sketchy creep, and wanted her to go drink with him.
I chose the passage starting at page 206 on the Museum stairs. I really found this passage interesting because it shows how other peoples emotions and opinions really effect his. He often bases his decisions off of how other people respond to what he is going to do. In the passage, Holden is waiting for his sister during her lunch break on the museum stairs. He is anticipating to say his goodbyes and break the news to her that he is to run away, hitch- hike, and find a cabin and a job for himself. When his little sister Pheobe arrives, however, a twist to his decision occurs. She has a suitcase with her that is large enough for her to struggle to carry. Thinking she had packed it for him, he was wrong. Pheobe had wanted to come with him which sent him for a spin. He felt bad but told her she could not come. Holden really wanted to do this on his own. I think this was because he didn't have many people to truly depend on and he was living independently most of the time.He liked having company but he usually regretted spending time with someone so he thought it was the best decision to leave. He was forced to change his mind, however, because Pheobe became really upset. His conscience made him change his mind because he knew this little girl really cared about him. This showed him that he cant just run away and give up because things weren't working out for him. He finally realized he would leave great opportunities and people that love him behind. This passage i thought was really important because it should he was just a lost teenager and wasn't sure what was right for him. It was because of Pheobe that he somewhat knows what matters.
ReplyDeleteIn chapter ten Holden talks about his younger sister, Phoebe Caulfield. The description sounds a lot like the description he gives us of Allie Caulfield, Holden's younger brother. Allie died of Leukemia before the beginning of Holden's story, "The Catcher in the Rye." Before Allie died he owned a baseball glove. Jane, Holden's old neighbor and friend, is the only one Holden has ever shown the glove. Allie wrote poems on the glove in ink. Both Allie and Phoebe were described as very smart, redheaded children. While the death of Allie torments Holden, Phoebe's alive and childish innocence is Holden's constant source of happiness. Phoebe being an intelligent child, also realizes that Holden can be his own worst enemy and tries to get Holden to act more mature. (Chapter 5, Chapter 10)
ReplyDeleteIn The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield has a very interesting personality, which is unlike any I have read before. He is very kept within himself, which can make him seem like a very weird and awkward character to the people he meets. Holden does not seem to understand how to interact with other people. He believes that he has to be impressive to other people. As if he thinks that if he uses certain language or tries to do things that are considered more “adult,” he will fit in with others and be able to be comfortable in certain situations. One passage that shows Holden’s inability to socialize and his need to seem older than he is, is the passage where he meets a fellow classmates mother on the bus (page 54-58). Holden meets Ernest Morrow’s mother on the bus, on his way to New York, and instantly starts up a conversation with her. But, his whole conversation is full of lies. He talks about how selfless her son is, and how humble Ernest is. How Ernest was elected class president, but turned it down because he was “so darn shy and modest and all.” But none of that happened, and that is not how Ernest is at all. Holden uses this interaction with Mrs. Morrow as a way to seem like he knows what he is talking about, and to make it seem like he knows more people than he actually does. Holden does not know how to interact with other people, so he comes up with these elaborate lies and tries to play a part. Holden’s way of interacting with others, or rather not interacting with them, makes it even more difficult for him to connect with people, and create relationships. I believe this will become an issue later on in the book.
ReplyDeleteOne passage that sticks out in my mind from reading the Catcher in the Rye is when Holden goes to visit one of his old teachers, Mr. Antolini, in Chapter 24. This passage is particularly interesting due to what is occurring at the time. Holden and his teacher are talking about life in general and trying to catch up. They talk of school and the goings-on, but the manner in which Holden is thinking is quite drastic from the rest of the book. He goes off about this one kid that was picked on in his class during a discussion of all things. Meanwhile, Mr. Antolini is attempting to encourage Holden to apply himself academically and preaching him about how he is currently on a downward spiral in his life and he best be getting control of it. Holden realizes that he is not really in the mood to talk at this point, and seems to just be brushing aside the advice that he is being offered. This occurs numerous times throughout the novel. When Holden wants to say something he will persist on it until it has been said, several times on occasion to reinforce the statement, and will encourage the person for a response until he gets one. Holden, despite his appreciation of the words is, grateful to Mr. Antolini for taking the time to talk to him in the middle of the night. When Holden is finished speaking with him, and goes to sleep on his couch, he awakes to find Mr. Antolini stroking him, and then quickly flees the premises. He then states that this hadn’t been the first time it had happened to him. This adds onto the recurring sexual abuse and/or harassment, throughout the novel. Overall, I’m quite fond of this passage because after these events, Holden goes home to be with his sister. I feel like what happened was a hit from reality that he couldn’t just get up and leave his home right away.
ReplyDeleteThe Catcher in the Rye contains many important passages that are significant to the book as a whole. One passage that was significant and related to the book as a whole was the passage where Holden is in the hotel room with the prostitute (around page 90). This part is significant because right before this happens he talks but being a virgin when constantly throughout the book he talks himself up like he has sex all the time. This scene was also very significant because Holden again changes his identity when he is introducing himself and talking about himself. In this scene he says his name is Jim Steele and that he is 22 years old which is both untrue, throughout the book he changes his identity many times as he introduces himself to other people. When the time actually comes and he is with Sunny he suddenly changes his mind and doesn't want to do anything except talk which is another thing that occurs throughout the book. Holden often gets himself into situations and when the situation finally is there right in front of him he decides he does not want it and tries to get out of it. In this part of the book when Holden is with the prostitute it seems like rather then wanting to do anything with Sunny deep down all he really wanted was company and someone to talk to and that's ultimately all that came from this event. Lastly, in this passage like many others Holden has repeating language with words such as "goddam". Throughout the book Holden often repeats certain phrases but also certain words. The book Catcher in the Rye contains any passages important to the book as a whole.
ReplyDeleteI think an interesting passage in the book is when Holden is leaving the boarding school to go out with his friends and he is carrying around a snowball. He makes the snowball before they leave, and he starts to debate throwing it. First he was going to throw it at a car, but he changes his mind because the car is "so nice and white". Then he considers throwing it at a fire hydrant, but that too is nice and white. This demonstrates very clearly Holden's apprehension of ruining purity and innocence. This apprehension is a huge theme in the book. Innocent things being threatened and purity being lost frequently comes up. Like how his prostitute was noticeable young and was clearly ridding of her innocence. Another interesting thing that comes up is when he starts to enter the bus, the bus driver tells him that he can't enter the bus because he assumes that Holden is going to throw his snowball. When Holden dismisses this idea, the bus driver refuses to believe him and Holden is forced to rid of his snowball. I think this is a good symbol for adolescence and how adolescences are treated by adults. Holden, like other teenagers, has the power to destroy innocence. The bus driver, like other adults, assumes that Holden is planning to ruin innocence and cause havoc. Holden is not like other teenagers though. He does not want to ruin the innocence, but despite this the bus driver still makes him toss the snowball out. Adolescences are assumed to be bad and to be causing trouble, and this passage shows how adults see them.
ReplyDeleteP. 132-134
ReplyDeleteIn this passage Holden is very rude to Sally, and him being rude to people is a very common pattern in this book. He uses rude language to everyone around him and doesn't stop when asked. When he was at the club with the three girls they kept telling him to stop using bad language and again with Sally he kept using bad language and even said to her, "you give me a royal pain in the ass, if you want to know the truth." Holden doesn't know how to stop using explicit language especially around women, and he doesn't know when to stop. Also in this seen how he wants to take Sally to Maine and live in a cabin, that kind of scares girls. Holden is not very good at social situations.
A passage in the Catcher in the Rye that was significant in my opinion was when Holden went on his date with Sally. This takes place on pages 131-133. Holden is explaining to Sally his feelings on his previous schools when he suddenly imagines a solution to it all. He insists they run away the next morning and go all the way to Vermont or Massachusetts. Start a new life off Holden’s small bank account until he can find a job. Sally shuts Holden’s idea down, saying doing something like that is not possible and explains the what-ifs. In the passage, it seems very significant how Holden perceives his schools. He says “everybody stays together in these dirty little goddam cliques.” This is important because he’s actually explaining his feelings and opening up. He quickly gets carried away though as he apparently raises his voice and jumps to his next idea. This reveals Holden’s drive to run away from his problems and do risky activities without really caring. Throughout the passage, Holden quickly jumps from one idea to the next with little to no transition between. Holden also gives Sally very little time to actually respond and tell her feelings about the matter. I connect this passage to when Allie died and all he did was smash things. This shows that Holden doesn’t understand how to properly and calmly handle his problems. He is a quick thinker, and like all teenagers, rarely thinks of the long term effects of his actions. This scene was significant for the perspective and feelings it revealed.
ReplyDeleteAn interesting passage in The Catcher in the Rye was when Holden had just got on the train to leave Pency and has a conversation with the mother of Ernest Morrow, a student that goes to Pencey. During this conversation Holden lies about his name, he states his name is Rudolf Schmidt. This is a reoccurring thing that happens during this passage. Holden continually lies about every topic that they talk about. Holden lies the most about the mother’s son though. He says that her son is a funny and modest guy and also that his classmate wanted him to run for class president and the only reason that he didn’t let his classmates nominate him was because he was “too shy and modest.” I think that Holden constantly lies because he never wants to face the truth and express the truth. That is the same reason that he doesn’t talk about his personal life or parents, he dances around those topics with lies and never fully expresses them. This is important to the whole book because it is a continuing theme that keeps occurring throughout other passages. Holden also does not want to make the Mother feel sad by telling the truth. He lies to spare an innocent person bad feelings. He does not just do this for him self he lies for the mother also.
ReplyDeleteThe passage I thought was interesting was when Holden meets Ernest Morrow's mother on the train in chapter eight. He starts up a conversation with her and constantly lies about knowing her son and how he's very popular at school. Holden even lies about who he is and says he is Rudolf Schmidt who is the janitor at the school and says he got hit with a snowball which was the reason for his bloody nose. It makes you wonder why Holden felt the need to lie. Also, while on the train Holden keeps mentioning how attractive she is which could be a reason to why he lies about who he is maybe to impress her. He even offers her a cigarette and a drink which makes him seem older. Throughout the book Holden offers to buy many people a drink including the prostitute, the cab driver, and the girls at the hotel. Also, Holden always feels the need to prove himself to people and make himself more than he is. It seems as if drinking has significance in this story because it continuously comes up and could mean that he is an alcoholic. I thought this passage had significance to the book.
ReplyDeleteA scene in The Catcher in the Rye that is influential to the book as a whole and has meaning in its own identity is the scene in which Holden goes to a bar. This scene can be found on the pages of 69-74. Holden goes to the nightclub alone, and begins to make observations about the environment and other people at the club. As before in the book, Holden attempts to order alcoholic beverages even though he is not twenty-one. However, on this evening, Holden is denied the right to buy alcoholic beverages since he is too young. I believe this is significant to the book as a whole, because Holden not being allowed to get something he was able to get in the past shows that he lost something. This could symbolize how he lost his brother, who was too young to die. I believe this denial of alcoholic beverages is also significant to the scene itself, for the reason that this denial is one of the first times of the evening that Holden is denied and not of the adequate requirements for his own success. Holden makes small talk with some females, one of which he refers to as the blond. He begins to dance with some of the females and comments on the impressive degree of talent of their dancing skills. Next, he lies about how he has danced with professional dancers. Lying is common of Holden, and in this situation, he lies in order to place himself above the people around him. Throughout the scene, Holden is complaining about the way girls are, yet he continues to attempt to gain the attention of them. The fact that Holden complains about what he is longing for reveals that he tries to fool his own mind that he wants nothing and is self-dependent. In his mind, Holden places himself above everyone else.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of chapter nine Holden begins to feel “like giving somebody a buzz.” At this point he is all alone and running away from school. He goes through a list in his mind of people who he feels he could call. He begins with his family; however he cannot call any of them. His brother is in Hollywood and his sister would be asleep and he does not want to wake her. He doesn’t want to wake her because if he did his parents would be the ones to answer. Although, he does not want them to find out that he has left school, the way he brings that message across is as if he does not want to speak to his parents at all. He seems to ardently and zealously avoid his parents at any cost which suggests a difficult relationship between them. He then thinks of calling Jane’s mother; however he did not feel like it. It seems that those who he may potentially care about he always stays away from them. He then thinks of calling Sally, but felt that her mother may answer the phone. Sally’s mother had said that he was wild and had no direction so he did not want to talk to her. Throughout the book those who criticize or try to help Holden are viewed negatively in his mind. Although he does not dispute their claims he doesn’t face them at all. It is almost as if he knows these things about himself but is not willing to deal with them. Often in his life Holden says he is going to do something put he often puts it off. He seems as if he is trying to face people put does not know how to do it. So he procrastinates until he does not need to face them. Throughout the book he seems lonely but he does not know how to remove himself from that loneliness so he stays that way and tries to find ways to rid himself of the feeling of being all alone.
ReplyDeleteChapter ten starts with Holden getting ready to go down to the hotel bar, the Lavender Room. He talks about Phoebe, all good things and how he wanted to call her up on the phone. He tells himself that it would not be such a good idea as she would already be asleep at that hour. And this is just another example of Holden glorifying a certain idea only to make an excuse why he cannot do it. This is a frequent occurrence with him and there is obviously am underlining meaning to it. He constantly tries to convince the reader about something or somebody. Whether he is embarrassed or afraid, he never seems to go through with what he wants. A little while later, he goes down to the bar where a blonde woman catches his eye. He goes on to ask her to dance and they do. This is a change of character for Holden. Throughout the book he was never the one to ask a girl to dance. This brings it to the theory that he has a problem with the people close to him: not being able to tell his mother that he was kicked out of school or calling up Jane on the phone. He calls the blonde lady a moron and even after having his compliments ignored, he still says that he was almost in love her. Along with this and the fact that he is always asking if others want to get a drink with him, it seems as though he is seeking approval. Holden seems to have more under his skin than he leads on.
ReplyDeleteThere is this one passage in the book, pages 88-89, where Holden talks about his yellowness. In this passage, Holden talks about that if his gloves got stolen, he would go to the crook's room and ask how his gloves ended up there and why they were there. Holden kept repeating that he "would" do this, or "think about" saying that, or would have "probably" acted in this kind of matter. Holden kept talking about what he would say, but will never actually say it. He also kept talking about how he does not like being yellow. I think what he means by "yellow" is that if something happens, he would not really care a lot about it. He would just shrug it off his shoulders and not do much about it. It will become a topic of interest for him, but will not have any concern for it. This reminds me of the scene where Holden is in the phone booth and he keeps thinking about calling Jane but never ends up doing it because he does not want her mother to pick up the phone. This passage and the one about Holden not calling Jane reveal how Holden is very hesitant and thinks a lot about if he should something or not.
ReplyDeletePages 7-16
ReplyDeleteOne of the most underrated scenes in Catcher in the Rye is Holden’s conversation with his history teacher, Spencer. This entire conversation was based about life, and Spencer’s concern over Holden's life. He begins to compare life to a game, and how Holden is not playing by the rules. He is concerned for Holdens future, and how his life will be after he leaves Pencey. This passage revealed that Holden has very little concern of his future, this is Spencer trying to push him towards the right track, where Holden will work hard and become successful. Holden came to speak with Spencer to “say a goodbye” to one of his favorite teachers, even though he failed the class. He was not angry about failing history either, on multiple occasions he says he failed because he did not know the material, and that he failed himself. This seemed to portray Holden’s traits to the readers, giving you a good idea of who Holden is, and that he is a slightly lazy, unintelligent student with a poor work ethic. It did not show how Holden viewed the world, and what he rejects as a person.
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ReplyDeleteIn the Catcher in the Rye much of the book has underlying meaning that can be uncovered by deeper thinking. As you read the book you interpret the meaning in one way but when you stop and think about a passage you may see it in an entirely different way. One passage that I have taken a second to think deeper about is when a prostitute comes to Holden’s room. The way that the scene unfolds is Maurice, the elevator man, offers Holden a prostitute. At first, struck off guard, Holden hesitates but then changes his mind quickly and without much thought says okay. Holden then says “It was against my principles and all, but I was feeling so depressed I didn't even think. That’s the whole trouble. When you’re feeling very depressed, you can’t even think.” When the prostitute, Sunny, comes to him room the two share awkward small talk and Sunny promptly takes off her dress. Holden soon changes his mind. He makes up a lie about having had surgery recently and politely asks not to do “it.” Holden pays the girl and shoos her out of his room. The way I see this is Holden wanted to seem older and mature, as the way hes been independently living his life the past day. He doesnt want to be a kid, he wants to go to clubs, drink, get a hotel by himself. At the same time I think Holden fears being alone. Holden is constantly asking people to come get a drink with him, always sparking up conversation with strangers so he does not feel alone. He has been left by many people in his life and this has made a big impact on him. He is depressed and wants someone, even if that someone is a prostitute.
ReplyDeleteIn the Catcher and the Rye, Holden had a long conversation with Old Spencer. Old Spencer is his history teacher at his private school, Pencey. Old Spencer has the grippe and he requested to see Holden before he left to go to another school. Holden went up to Old Spencers room to have a conversation about his future and what he was going to do with his life. Old Spencer began asking Holden why he was leaving Pencey and Holden just responded with “They kicked me out”. Holden was flunking four subjects. Old Spencer says, “Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.” (page 8) He is agreeing with Dr. Thurmer (the principal of the school). Dr Thurmer tells Holden that life is a serious thing and he should take it seriously. I think this talk with Old Spencer sets the mood for the whole book. Clearly Holden doesn’t care what anyone is saying to him. He just gives them a simple answer to shut them up. This scene really shows that Holden is aware that he is messing his life up, but he doesn’t have a plan to fix it. Holden think to himself, “Game, my ass. Some game… Nothing. No game.” (page 8) He told Old Spencer that he knew life was a game. His thoughts just prove that he doesn’t want to share his real thoughts and he just wants to continue on with his life. Holden shows his personality for the first time in this scene with Old Spencer.
ReplyDeleteOne passage that particularly sticks out to me in the book is in chapter 22 where Holden goes and visits his younger sister Phoebe. I feel as if this passage sticks out to me and the book as a whole, because its showing Holden show emotion about something and having regard for someone elses feelings. When his younger sister explains that she is very disappointed in him he becomes angry and doesn't like that he has disappointed someone who means so much to him. This is a repeated idea in the story, as Holden is constantly being told by people that he has let them down and disappointed them. for example, when he talks to his history teacher when he is about to get expelled from the prep school, he talks about how Holden has disappointed him by getting expelled and let him down. The language in this passage is pretty much stagnant throughout this passage and Holden doesn't get to worked up but just angry that he has disappointed someone who means so much to him and who he has sacrificed some things to go and visit. This passage has much significance in itself and too the book as a whole.
ReplyDeleteThe nun section pg. 108-112. This is a very important passage. The passage reveals more about Holden’s true inner self. To many, Holden may seem lazy, uncaring, and mindless. In reality, there is a lot more to Holden. During the passage I chose, Holden starts up a conversation with two nuns who are sitting next to him while he is eating lunch. After one of the nuns drops a basket, Holden picks it up and offers to make a donation. The nuns accepted ten dollars but repeatedly checked that he was sure he wanted to and that he was able to. Holden offered out of kindness and wanted to give more but the nuns wouldn't let him. After the nuns left, Holden regrets not giving them more. Holden is extremely conscientious and is always regretful even when he is doing what is right. Throughout the story you notice Holden over-analyzing many events.This passage demonstrates Holden’s desire to do what is right. Even though Holden makes many mistakes and doesn't always make the best decisions, he really does care about the people around him, especially Phoebe and Jane.
ReplyDeleteThe Catcher in the Rye has many important passages. One important passage in the book is at the beginning when Holden goes to see his history teacher Spencer. This is an important passage because they talk about life and Holdens future and how Old Spencer is concerned about it. He compares life to a game and how Holden obviously isn’t playing by the rules. This shows that holden doesn’t care much about what will happen in his future. Dr. Thurmer tells Holden that he needs to start taking life seriously and when he goes to talk to Spencer, Spencer agrees with Dr. Thurmer. They talk about how he needs to get his life on track for when he leaves Pency. Holden came in the first place to say goodbye to Spencer because it was his favorite teacher even though that was one of the classes he was failing and he didn’t care. I think Holden talking to Spencer was a good idea because although Holden doesn’t care much about anything his talk with Spencer starts off the book and shows Holden’s attitude toward everything.
ReplyDeletep 121
ReplyDeleteA passage in The Catcher in the Rye that specifically caught my interest, is the part where Holden thinks about all of his trips to the museum. Holden keeps mentioning how nothing in the museum ever changes. It seems as if he needs something that will always remain consistent, because his life is always changing. Holden seems to be surrounded by the changes in life such as, losing his brother, getting kicked out of several schools, and the process of growing up. The museum is a place where time stands still and history is frozen. This is another passage in the book where it seems as if Holden does not have the right words to express his feelings. It seems significant that he is always trying so hard to tell the reader something, but can never quite make a point. Something else interesting about this scene is how he eventually chooses not to go into the museum. He is remembering all of these things from his class trips and thinking about his kid sister Phoebe and he all of a sudden changes his mind. Holden always has difficulty making decisions, but I think this passage goes deeper than that issue. Since so many things in Holden’s life change I think he tends to cling to the things that don’t. That’s why he so often thinks about memories from his childhood because no matter what happens those memories will stay the same. Since he hadn’t been inside the museum in so long there was a possibility that some things about it could have changed, and I think Holden was afraid of that. This is just one of the many passages in the book that shows how Holden desperately needs to have something to hold on to that will always remain the same.
A short passage in “the Catcher in the Rye” that I would like to discuss is about Holden fighting with Stradlater starting from page 40-46, chapter 6. What I find interesting about this scene is that Holden is jealous that Stradlater went out on a date with the girl that Holden liked, which was Jane Gallagher. Holden kept asking Stradlater many questions, but Stradlater refused to tell him the details and it pissed Holden off. Holden wanted to know what was going on during their date, where they went, did Stradlater gave Jane his regards, and did Stradlater ask Jane if she still keep all her Kings in the back row. Stradlater then responded to Holden saying how he didn’t ask her that and how they didn’t spend their whole night playing Chess. Holden was pissed off and he told himself that he hated Stradlater. Holden’s voice then started shaking awfully when he asked Stradlater what they did in Ed Banky’s car. Holden was heated, he got up and tried to smack the toothbrush down Stradlater’s throat, but he missed just because he didn’t want to injure Stradlater. In his mind, Holden only wanted to sort of get Stradlater on the side of the head and he didn’t want to hurt Stradlater. The thing about Holden is that he say he wants to do something, but the next minute he refuses or make up an excuse in order not to do it. Just like this situation, Holden wanted to smack the toothbrush down Stradlater’s throat, but he couldn’t do it because he didn’t want to hurt Stradlater. But then Holden wanted to hurt Stradlater so bad and that he would’ve killed him. This scene was related to many scenes in the book. For example, there’s a scene where Holden was deciding whether he wanted to give his regards to Jane or not and ask her about her Kings. He said he was going to go down, but he made up excuses in order to not go.
ReplyDeleteIn the Catcher in the Rye, Holden is sitting down in a café and decides to spark up a conversation with two nuns eating nearby. Holden offers the nuns donations even though the nuns are not collecting donations, which leads to Holden and the nuns having a conversation. Before having a deep conversation with the nuns, Holden evaluated their looks. This has been a recurring habit of Holden when he meets new people. Holden is constantly judging people by their looks before starting to get to know them. Throughout the conversation the type of language used by Holden is much more sophisticated than when he is talking to someone he may know better like Stadlater for example. The conversation they all have seems very phony. They start talking about books that they have once read because one of the nuns is a school teacher. When Holden is talking about books and how Romeo and Juliet happened to be one of his favorite books I believe Holden was just saying that because he was desperate for someone to talk to. Holden’s demeanor frequently changes when being around different people. I believe the reasons why Holden does the things he does is because he has major insecurities. These insecurities force Holden to often try to fit in with others. By being insecure this makes Holden act like someone he is not. In the book whenever Holden may be reflecting on things to himself he always has a very stubborn attitude, yet when he is faced with someone that he may have to have interactions with you see him start to change into a total different person.
ReplyDeletepg. 119-122
ReplyDeleteWhile reading the "Catcher in the Rye" the passage about Holden visiting the museum really caught my attention. Holden mentions how he likes how everything stays the same within the museum. He says " The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody'd move." (Salinger 121) For Holden, the museum is a consistent part of his ever changing world. Throughout the passage you can tell that Holden is trying to convey something deeper, but seems to be lost for words. He mentions that every time you visited the museum "the only thing that would be different was you." This shows how Holden is ever changing and desperately trying to cling to some stability in his life. This is why his childhood memories are important to him. In his life many things have changed for the worse. His brother died, he's been kicked out of many different schools and been separated and grown apart from his family. I believe that Holden keeps going back to these memories because they're the only things that won't change. No matter what happens, he will always be able to go back to his memories of happier times. At the end of the passage Holden reveals that he couldn't bring himself to go into the museum, "not even for a million bucks." I believe that he couldn't enter the museum because there was a possibility that it could have been different after so many years. For Holden, the possibility of one of the few constant things in his life changing was too much to handle.