The Catcher in the Rye

The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D Salinger, opens with the narrator, Holden Caufield telling a story of three days that changed his life. Holden was expelled from numerous schools, due to his lack of interest and great depression. This all started when his younger brother, Allie, died. Although Holden has had a tough life, he compares his problems to the worlds, and his seem insignificant. Holden is ashamed and disgusted at the way people treat each other. Holden gets an insight into what the world is really about and wants no part in this evil, corrupt place. He begins to worry about the symbol of innocence, children, and that someday they will be infected by society. He wants to become the catcher in the rye, so that he can stop the children falling off the cliff into adulthood. He eventually comes to terms with this fantasy being an impossibility, and goes insane.


Holden is a very confused seventeen year old boy, who throughout the novel is searching for meaning. The death of his ...