Abstract
"The Catcher in the Rye" is one of the classic works of United States literature, and become popular to adolescent readers because it catches the themes of teenage angst and alienation. The novel is about the protagonist Holden, who has been kicked out from the school four times. He is afraid to go home and is wandering alone in the New York City. The adventure experiences show Holden’s rebellion and family relationship. He cherishes friendship, sympathize strangers. He hope to be a catcher which proves himself as a pursuer of pure love. However, he is a coward in real life, and compromise to difficulties, obey to reality. Finally he find out his way to be accepted by society. This paper tries to analyze Holden’s positive and negative characters, and then gives guidelines to adolescent teenager’s growing. Adolescent period is an indispensable part for teenagers growing up. Holden is a sample around us, the most important thing is to learn from Holden and lead our actual life. Societies, parents and schools should give teenagers a healthy growing environment for their positive characters.
Keywords: The catcher in the Rye, J.D Salinger, Holden, complicated character; rebellion; love; growth
Contents
Abstract I
Contents I
Introduction 3
1. About the novel and its author 4
2. The analysis of Holden’s character 5
2.1 Holden’s positive characteristic 5
2.1.1 Kind hearted Holden with aspirations and unsophisticated ideal. 5
2.1.2 Holden’s self-reflection 6
2.1.3 To be a Catcher 7
2.2 Holden’s negative characteristic 7
3. The reasons for Holden’s double characteristic 9
3.1 Holden’s family 9
3.2 Holden’s school 9
4. The social significance of the Holden’s character 11
4.1 The teenage proper and scientific education 11
4.2 What can we do to create a healthy environment for teenage growing? 11
4.2.1 Parents give enough understanding and care to the adolescent teenagers 11
4.2.2 Schools and society give help and attentions to the rebellious teenager. 12
5. Conclusion 13
References 14
