Tuesday, June 24, 2014

What are some character analyses for The Catcher in the Rye?What are some society topics related to the book?

HOLDEN CAULFIELD.  The
narrator-protagonist of the novel, Holden is a classic rebel of literature--though
misguided and without direction. He particularly hates "phonies," and just about
everyone he runs into are classified as such; Holden, too, is a bit of a phony, often
pretending to be something he is not. He also hates dishonesty, hypocrites, athletes,
and people in a position of power. His relationships with women are also unusual, and he
suffers from a typical case of teenage lust when in their presence. His directionless
lifestyle is best seen from his academic failures and his aimless wandering about New
York City. He dreams of leaving the northeast, but he scorns those (his older
brother) who have actually taken this
step.


PHOEBE CAULFIELD
Holden practically idolizes his 10 year old sister, an intelligent focused girl whose
maturity sometimes seems to surpass Holden's. Faithful and concerned for her brother's
welfare, she gives good advice willingly, which Holden rarely
follows.


ROBERT ACKLEY
Holden's next-door neighbor while at Pencey, he is disliked by all, primarily because of
his extreme unhygienic habits.


WARD
STRADLATER
.  Holden hates Stradlater, who is everything that Holden
detests. Handsome, tall, athletic, vain and successful with women,
Stradlater particularly angers Holden when he goes out with Jane Gallagher, who Holden
admires. He cons Holden into writing an essay for him, and when it doesn't impress him,
Stradlater punches Holden in the
nose.


MR.
SPENCER.  Although he is Holden's favorite teacher at
Pencey, Holden has little respect for Spencer's old fashioned beliefs (or his aging
body). Holden takes the time to visit Spencer, who seems to like Holden and obviously
cares about his academic future, but Holden leaves as soon as possible after Spencer's
warnings hit the mark.


MR.
ANDOLINI.  Holden's favorite teacher from a previous prep
school, Holden attempts to spend the night at his house, getting some good advice from
Andolini in the process. But when Holden awakes in the middle of the night to find
Andolini rubbing his head, Holden perceives it as a homosexual advance. Or was it?
Nevertheless, the act only makes Holden more mistrustful of
adults.

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