Chapter 4: Summary and Analysis
SUMMARY
The chapter begins as Holden accompanies Stradlater to the can and they converse while Stradlater shaves himself in preparation for a date. Holden then enters a mental soliloquy in which he compares Stradlater’s unhygienic personal habits with those of Ackley, concluding that Stradlater is more of a “secret slob” (pg23). Holden’s mind then directs itself towards criticising Stradlater’s obsession with his physical appearance. His thoughts are interrupted by Stradlater who asks if Holden can write a composition for him. Holden doesn’t give a definitive response, instead he inquires about the subject matter of the composition. Stradlater’s responds by saying “anything descriptive” (pg23), “just don’t stick all the commas and stuff in the right place”(pg23). This response provokes, within Holden, another mental comparison between Stradlater and Ackley, who both view things superficially. Holden then begins to tap dance but is soon hindered by his lack of breathe. He introduces his red hunting hat to Stradlater and they enter another conversation regarding Stradlater’s date. Holden suddenly feels the urge to wrestle Stradlater and he immediately concedes to it, however, he is easily overpowered. The two then resume their previous conversation and Stradlater reveals that his date is Jane Gallagher. Holden is shocked by the revelation and he enters a frenzied state in which he bombards Stradlater with details of Jane and his experiences with her. Stradlater ignores most of the details, but shows interest in one of the more sexual details. Holden’s mind becomes dominated by thoughts of Jane and the threat that Stradlater poses to her innocence. Holden’s thoughts become more frantic as Stradlater leaves but he is soon conveniently distracted by Ackley’s entrance.
ANALYSIS
This chapter relate to the concept of the individual and society by reiterating the values of society that Holden does not conform to and is alienated by. He groups Stradlater and Ackley together by criticising their simplified and superficial view of things. Stradlater says “don’t stick all the commas and stuff in the right place” which conveys his superficial understanding that good writing is defined by correct grammar. Meanwhile, Ackley explains a basketballer’s talent with “Coyle had a perfect build for basketball” (pg25). This again, conveys a superficial view of a subject. Holden replies to these views with “God, how I hate that stuff” (pg25) and by grouping Stradlater and Ackley together through something he detests, he alienates himself from both.
Holden’s wrestle with Stradlater is also a metaphor for his struggle with society. Stradlater, who easily overpowers Holden, symbolises society. This metaphor helps emphasise a non-conforming individual’s struggle against a society which has more power to enforce its intentions.
Holden also describes Jane Gallagher “She wouldn’t move any of her kings” (pg27), “She’d get them all line up in the back row” (pg27) this is a metaphor for innocence as it suggests a need to be protected because once a king is out on the field there is a risk of it being taken. Jane requires protection from corruption in the form of sexual contact. Jane’s innocence is further espoused when Holden says “she just liked the way they looked” (pg27). This conveys Jane’s innocence through her childish admiration for the appearance of something which is morally correct (i.e. celibacy).
The three aforementioned quotes are juxtaposed with the line “Stradlater didn’t say anything. That kind of stuff doesn’t interest most people” (pg27). This juxtaposition highlights the rift between Holden and society by contrasting Holden’s obvious interest with Jane’s kings (innocence) and “most people’s” (society’s) disinterest in the issue.
Holden is frenzied because he fears for Jane’s innocence as she might fall for (and conform to) Stradlater’s (who symbolises society) seduction the same way he was overpowered during his wrestle with Stradlatter.
Thursday, August 27, 2009
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Rajneil
Chapter 21SummaryIn Chapter 21 Holden decides to go back home and check up on Phoebe. He arrives in hisbuilding and takes the elevator up. The elevator boy is not the usual worker and Holdentakes advantage of this by lying to him. This allows him to sneak into his apartment withlimited number of people knowing. He gets to his apartment and sneaks through theapartment as his mother is a light sleeper and commonly cannot get to bed. He realizesthat Phoebe sleeps in D.Bʼs bedroom when he is away. When Holden arrives in the roomhe pays attention to Phoebeʼs books before waking her up, they start to discuss variousthings including Phoebe in the school play, their parent are at a party and the recordHolden bought. The conversation changes when Phoebe asks why Holden is home earlyand she eventually figures out that he has been kicked out of school again. Phoebe getsangry repeating that father will get angry. The chapter ends when Holden goes out into theliving room to get some cigarettes.TechniquesSymbolism: “The one on top is called Arithmetic is Fun!”. Phoebeʼs books have interestedHolden. This is rather odd as Holden has no interest in his own studies. the book as asymbol may show his admiration for other intellectual people. It may also be a reminder ofAllie and his intelligence as Holden remembers it.Mood: “How come youʼre not home on Wednesday...you didnʼt get kicked out oranything...” This change in the mood is very sudden as Phoebe is reveled more in thestory, by figuring out Holden got kicked out we are shown her intelligence and she goes onby repeating “You did!”, showing her stubbornness. This use of mood has developedPhoebeʼs character more showing though she is very close to Holden she does have herdisagreements.Allusion: “...write a picture about Annapolis.” With the publication of The Catcher in the RyeAnnapolis was the capital of the United States temporarily and now is a town. Thecharacters talk about it being a movie and ironically in 2006 it did come out as a film.Though the tone of Holden towards Annapolis is very negative and judgmental, he wasjudgmental of the whole idea of D.B writing in Hollywood and despises the idea greatly.This can show Holdenʼs prejudice nature of various themes in the book, but mainly of D.Bwriting in Hollywood.Individual and SocietyHolden explores the concept of individual and society briefly in this chapter. However, andexample of his individualism is him lying to the elevator boy, this is probably the only timeHolden lies for effect. Him lying further alienates him from himself loosing his identitythrough “phonies”. At the end of the chapter he goes for some smokes, going for smokeseven at the oddest of times shows his desperation to fit into society, to be like everyoneelse, but he contradicts himself by calling all of them “phonies”.-Rajneil Prasad
James
Chapter Summary (20)
Holden keeps getting drunk. He makes a phone call late at night to Sally which angers her grandmother. Holden then tries to make a date with the hat-check girl. He drops Phoebe’s record. He went to the park to see if he could find any ducks but he couldn’t find any. He thinks about catching pneumonia, dieing and imagines his funeral, he missed Allie’s funeral but used to visit his grave but stopped. He then decides to go pay Phoebe a visit at home while he thinks he parents are sleeping.
Symbolism is used three times in this chapter. The first time is the “red hunting hat” which can be a symbol for Holden’s uniqueness and individuality as well as being red like Phoebes and Allie’s hair which can show that Holden looks up to them as they are not only his loved siblings but as they can be a sign of innocence to him. The second time symbolism is used is the ducks in the pond. The ducks can be a symbol of being a child which can mean that since they can’t be found, he isn’t a child anymore, or the ducks could be a symbol of the stableness of Holden’s mind and since they cant be found, it can mean that Holden isn’t very stable. The third symbol is the “Little Shirley Beans’ record” which can be a symbol of childhood for Holden, or for Phoebe. Since it breaks it can mean that Holden isn’t a child anymore, however it can also mean that he can’t stop Phoebe from growing up.
Repetition is used in this chapter several times. It is used to emphasis certain points but however it can also be used to show the fact that Holden’s mind isn’t very organized so he repeats himself a lot and doesn’t know exactly what he said. It also shows that he is rambling on about mostly minor things which can relate to how certain things affected his life, such as Allie’s death.
The motif of ‘death’ also appears in this chapter. Holden thinks about dieing from pneumonia and imagines his funeral; he also talks about Allie who is dead. This could be foreshadowing the fact that there is something in the ending that could be surprising, the fact that Holden is in an institution. The effect of this is that we can see him as more human and realize that he isn’t insane.
This chapter shows that Holden isn’t one with the society around him, and that he is an outcast. It shows us by showing us how unstable his mind is during the chapter by using repetition and symbolism such as the ducks. It also shows that Holden can be like a child at times.
Holden keeps getting drunk. He makes a phone call late at night to Sally which angers her grandmother. Holden then tries to make a date with the hat-check girl. He drops Phoebe’s record. He went to the park to see if he could find any ducks but he couldn’t find any. He thinks about catching pneumonia, dieing and imagines his funeral, he missed Allie’s funeral but used to visit his grave but stopped. He then decides to go pay Phoebe a visit at home while he thinks he parents are sleeping.
Symbolism is used three times in this chapter. The first time is the “red hunting hat” which can be a symbol for Holden’s uniqueness and individuality as well as being red like Phoebes and Allie’s hair which can show that Holden looks up to them as they are not only his loved siblings but as they can be a sign of innocence to him. The second time symbolism is used is the ducks in the pond. The ducks can be a symbol of being a child which can mean that since they can’t be found, he isn’t a child anymore, or the ducks could be a symbol of the stableness of Holden’s mind and since they cant be found, it can mean that Holden isn’t very stable. The third symbol is the “Little Shirley Beans’ record” which can be a symbol of childhood for Holden, or for Phoebe. Since it breaks it can mean that Holden isn’t a child anymore, however it can also mean that he can’t stop Phoebe from growing up.
Repetition is used in this chapter several times. It is used to emphasis certain points but however it can also be used to show the fact that Holden’s mind isn’t very organized so he repeats himself a lot and doesn’t know exactly what he said. It also shows that he is rambling on about mostly minor things which can relate to how certain things affected his life, such as Allie’s death.
The motif of ‘death’ also appears in this chapter. Holden thinks about dieing from pneumonia and imagines his funeral; he also talks about Allie who is dead. This could be foreshadowing the fact that there is something in the ending that could be surprising, the fact that Holden is in an institution. The effect of this is that we can see him as more human and realize that he isn’t insane.
This chapter shows that Holden isn’t one with the society around him, and that he is an outcast. It shows us by showing us how unstable his mind is during the chapter by using repetition and symbolism such as the ducks. It also shows that Holden can be like a child at times.
Liz
Chapter#2 Summary
Holden discusses with his (ex) history teacher: Mr Spencer, about how Holden is a moron and helping him... Throughout the chapter, Holden is criticising Spencer, the school’s he’s been too (especially Elkton). It shows his contempt of the society which he lives in, thus alienating himself from it. Also he does not mention who or what he likes, but what he does not like, further showing that he believes society is ‘bad’ and such.
One) Repetition: He constantly repeats statements (not one after the other, but he still repeats them), showing that his state of mind is child-like as all he can think of is excuses and repeating them. “He’s a phony, she’s a phony...” (No, this isn’t an exact quote)
Two) Irony: He says he hates, for example, when Spencer says “boy”, yet just before: “I also say ‘Boy!’ quite a lot”. It shows that his hatred, possibly due to Allie’s death, runs deep enough to hate society and the qualities in which he has as well. It also, stated by him, show he has a weak vocabulary, thus a similar character.
Three) Truncated Sentences: This also shows his state of mind being similar to a younger child.
Throughout this chapter, through the before mentioned techniques, it shows Holden has a very child-like character/state of mind. This may be due to society, or society has isolated him because of it, or even Allie’s death. Regardless, it separates him from society, making him into an ‘individual’.
Holden discusses with his (ex) history teacher: Mr Spencer, about how Holden is a moron and helping him... Throughout the chapter, Holden is criticising Spencer, the school’s he’s been too (especially Elkton). It shows his contempt of the society which he lives in, thus alienating himself from it. Also he does not mention who or what he likes, but what he does not like, further showing that he believes society is ‘bad’ and such.
One) Repetition: He constantly repeats statements (not one after the other, but he still repeats them), showing that his state of mind is child-like as all he can think of is excuses and repeating them. “He’s a phony, she’s a phony...” (No, this isn’t an exact quote)
Two) Irony: He says he hates, for example, when Spencer says “boy”, yet just before: “I also say ‘Boy!’ quite a lot”. It shows that his hatred, possibly due to Allie’s death, runs deep enough to hate society and the qualities in which he has as well. It also, stated by him, show he has a weak vocabulary, thus a similar character.
Three) Truncated Sentences: This also shows his state of mind being similar to a younger child.
Throughout this chapter, through the before mentioned techniques, it shows Holden has a very child-like character/state of mind. This may be due to society, or society has isolated him because of it, or even Allie’s death. Regardless, it separates him from society, making him into an ‘individual’.
Monday, August 24, 2009
Justin
English Chapter Summary by Justin TeoChapter 5 Chapter 5 explores a typical Saturday night at Pencey, narrated through the same cynical tone of the character Holden Caufield established in prior chapters. As the curtains close on an uneventful night, Holden reminisces about his brother Allie and his baseball mitt. Consequently, Holden is forced to face his tragic past, the tragic past which has turned him into the person that he is. Holden’s constant use of hyperbole outlines his dissatisfaction with the world around him, and the consequent detachment from society. “I dropped about a thousand hints; Already told me about a hundred times”. The effect of using hyperbole creates a larger impact in comparison to the use of a smaller and less significant quantity. The use of informal tone and colloquial language allows the reader to establish a more personal connection with Holden. Through the first person narration we see everything and understand everything from Holden’s point of view. Ironically, Salinger is then able to evoke emotive response through the use of an impersonal tone when Holden speaks about Allie, and his baseball mitt. This impersonal tone and detachment from emotion is shown through various statements that Holden makes: “He’s dead now; I broke all the windows just for the hell of it”. These statements show no feelings of sadness, which may surround an underlying problem that Holden has not been able to properly deal with Allie’s death. This problem may be the cause of Holden’s insecurity and detachment from society. The use of short sentences when Holden is talking about Allie, may be commenting on his detachedness with these memories (hence the sentences are short detached), and outlines how his detachedness with the memories also detaches him from the emotions that go along with it. Chapter 5 deals with the cause that has made Holden the person that he is an insecure adolescent who feels resentment towards everything in life, as a result of the death of his brother Allie. Chapter 5 is able to comment on the concept of the individual and society because it shows how and why Holden seems to have the inability to interact with society. Emotions are a universal trait that every human being should be able to understand regardless of race, religion, sex, etc. Since Holden appears to have no emotions, he cannot understand the emotions of his society, and therefore cannot act accordingly.
Dhruv
Review
Chapter 18 of this FANTASTIC book called ‘Catcher in the Rye”, tells the story of Holden trying to call Jane again, but gets no answer. He only has a few numbers in his address book, so he calls an old friend named Carl Luce, who now goes to Columbia. Carl agrees to meet him at ten o'clock. That gives Holden a lot of time to kill, so he goes to see a movie. He thinks about D.B.'s experiences during World War II. The chapter ends with Holden thinking that if there is another war, he will volunteer to sit on top of an atomic bomb.
Techniques
Imagery – When Holden recalls his movie experience he thinks about suicide and his selfishness, in thinking about war he thinks only of himself. It’s as if he’s so alienated the rest of the world doesn’t exist for him. His own perspective is a barrier between him assimilating into the society.
Narration – The whole chapter is in 1st person, making us learn only the character’s point of view. However, using 1st person can show some bias as we’ve seen in this chapter with Holden making comments on people and situations.
Allusion – Some of the allusions in this chapter is when Holden refers to The Great Gatsby and Ring Lardner. This not only helps us compare the situation but also shows that the character is educated as he’s making references to other texts.
Through these techniques we see that Holden alienates himself from society through his thinking and attitude towards other people. Also when he talks about suicide he means that by killing himself, it’s the only way out of this world which he can’t control or understand, as he can’t fit into one society and seems to be nomadic. Also with Holden wearing his red-hunting hat, it’s a sign of independence, separation, and protection from the world, he creates his own alienation for the same purpose. While his alienation protects him, it also severely harms him, making him intensely lonely and depressed. Therefore, he tries to meet with the other characters, in hope to show some sympathy.
Dhruv Kaushik
Chapter 18 of this FANTASTIC book called ‘Catcher in the Rye”, tells the story of Holden trying to call Jane again, but gets no answer. He only has a few numbers in his address book, so he calls an old friend named Carl Luce, who now goes to Columbia. Carl agrees to meet him at ten o'clock. That gives Holden a lot of time to kill, so he goes to see a movie. He thinks about D.B.'s experiences during World War II. The chapter ends with Holden thinking that if there is another war, he will volunteer to sit on top of an atomic bomb.
Techniques
Imagery – When Holden recalls his movie experience he thinks about suicide and his selfishness, in thinking about war he thinks only of himself. It’s as if he’s so alienated the rest of the world doesn’t exist for him. His own perspective is a barrier between him assimilating into the society.
Narration – The whole chapter is in 1st person, making us learn only the character’s point of view. However, using 1st person can show some bias as we’ve seen in this chapter with Holden making comments on people and situations.
Allusion – Some of the allusions in this chapter is when Holden refers to The Great Gatsby and Ring Lardner. This not only helps us compare the situation but also shows that the character is educated as he’s making references to other texts.
Through these techniques we see that Holden alienates himself from society through his thinking and attitude towards other people. Also when he talks about suicide he means that by killing himself, it’s the only way out of this world which he can’t control or understand, as he can’t fit into one society and seems to be nomadic. Also with Holden wearing his red-hunting hat, it’s a sign of independence, separation, and protection from the world, he creates his own alienation for the same purpose. While his alienation protects him, it also severely harms him, making him intensely lonely and depressed. Therefore, he tries to meet with the other characters, in hope to show some sympathy.
Dhruv Kaushik
Shaheen Chapter 17
Holden is at the Biltmore waiting for Sally Hayes, his date, to arrive but whilst he's doing that he's judging all the girls' legs standing outside the BiltmoreHolden then starts rambling on about this boy, Harris Macklin, at his old school Elkton HillsSally then arrives and Holden thinks she looked fantastic and "all of sudden I felt like I was in love with her and wanted to marry her."Holden and Sally travel in a cab to go and watch the Lunts perform a play. In the cab Holden tells Sally he "loved her and all. Holden and Sally go outside at the end of the first. Sally then says she has seen someone who she used to knowThis person, according to Holden, is "George". Whilst George is talking, Holden is criticising everything that George says and doesHolden and Sally then proceed to Radio City to ice-skatingHolden and Sally dont really know how to ice-skate so Holden suggests "to get a table inside and have a drink or something?"Holden asks Sally if she likes school but then starts talking about his own life with random and verbose topics until Sally finds it incomprehensible to follow Holden's conversationHolden then suggests going to Vermont and Massachusetts and then settling down with Sally but Sally has a bit more common sense and tries to talk Holden out of itHolden gives up and tells Sally she gives him a "royal pain in the ass"Sally gets angry at Holden, cries and tells him to leave her alone so Holden leaves without herHolden then doesnt know why he asked Sally about going with him to Massachusetts and Vermont.
TECHNIQUES:
italics: It was a lie, of course, but the thing is, I meant it when i said it." The effect of this is that it shows Holden's immature nature even though he tries imitate an adult but his lack of control and impetuosity over his words and his inability to weigh up the outcome mark his failed attempt to try and be like the "adult" which society portrays around himhyphens: "he'd be making his bed, or hanging stuff up in the closet-he was always hanging up stuff in the closet-it drove me crazy-". The excess use of hyphens highlights his impetuosity and verbose speech giving extra information then required, similar to a child.dialogue: "take cars...a horse is at least human, for god's sake". Through his speech and others similar to it, we can see even his speech to others in his personal life is impetuous and verbose, yet again highlighting his childlike manner.
TECHNIQUES:
italics: It was a lie, of course, but the thing is, I meant it when i said it." The effect of this is that it shows Holden's immature nature even though he tries imitate an adult but his lack of control and impetuosity over his words and his inability to weigh up the outcome mark his failed attempt to try and be like the "adult" which society portrays around himhyphens: "he'd be making his bed, or hanging stuff up in the closet-he was always hanging up stuff in the closet-it drove me crazy-". The excess use of hyphens highlights his impetuosity and verbose speech giving extra information then required, similar to a child.dialogue: "take cars...a horse is at least human, for god's sake". Through his speech and others similar to it, we can see even his speech to others in his personal life is impetuous and verbose, yet again highlighting his childlike manner.
Chapter 10 Summary - Devishna
In this chapter, a few examples are shown where Holden finds himself in situations where he doesn't fit in, a link to the theme of alienation from society. Throughout the book, Holden is by himself after he leaves Pencey and this signifies the beginning of his withdrawal from his surroundings. In Chapter 10, Holden has already checked into a hotel and is getting ready to visit the night club called The Lavender Room downstairs. He begins to reflect on his younger sister, Phoebe, where he shows a great deal of admiration for her, and in comparison with the majority of the chapter, Holden sounds optimistic and affectionate which indicates that Phoebe is someone who holds a significant role in Holden's life and possibly the fact that she may be one of the very few poeple that Holden is capable of trusting and willing to understand. Comparatively, Holden rarely speaks about his parents, which suggests the very little influence that hold in his life, perhaps owing to the reason that he cannot connect with, or understand them. This theory is supported by the quote, "But I was too afraid my parents would answer, and then they'd find out I was in New York and kicked out of Pencey and all." This signifies his detachment from not only society, but from his own family as well. Further emphasis of Holden's reclusiveness lies in this quote , comparing himself with his sister and his family, "She's really smart. I mean she's had all A's ever since she started school. As a matter of fact, I'm the only dumb one in the family." This comparison identifies Holden's clear admiration for his sister's academic talent and he puts this inversely with his lack of any such talent. This could be taken as Holden's way of listing another difference between himself and society, another reason behind the barrier created between him and society.
Adversely, in the rest of the chapter when Holden is not talking about Phoebe, the tone changes to one majorly of cynicism. "I'm the only really dumb one." This example portrays a particular emotion in Holden to be identified as one of helplessness, yet his filure to do anything about it and the fact that he doesn't particularly care. Such a portrayal displays Holden's difficulty in finding any possible connection with the world around him. Another example is during the dance he shares with Bernice at the night club. "What a lady, boy. A queen for Chrissake." His cynical tone is further emphasised by the use of italics, and this drives the reader to ask, why Holden is so frequently bitter towards everyone. This could also lead to suggest a connection with past childhood events such as his brother's death which have lead him to shut himself away.
His lack of will to conform to society has highlighted his independant nature, which withdraws him from discovering any similarities or common ground with anyone.
Adversely, in the rest of the chapter when Holden is not talking about Phoebe, the tone changes to one majorly of cynicism. "I'm the only really dumb one." This example portrays a particular emotion in Holden to be identified as one of helplessness, yet his filure to do anything about it and the fact that he doesn't particularly care. Such a portrayal displays Holden's difficulty in finding any possible connection with the world around him. Another example is during the dance he shares with Bernice at the night club. "What a lady, boy. A queen for Chrissake." His cynical tone is further emphasised by the use of italics, and this drives the reader to ask, why Holden is so frequently bitter towards everyone. This could also lead to suggest a connection with past childhood events such as his brother's death which have lead him to shut himself away.
His lack of will to conform to society has highlighted his independant nature, which withdraws him from discovering any similarities or common ground with anyone.
Josh
Chapter Summary: Ch 23
Basically Holden has just finished arguing with his sister about flunking school and getting expelled and he seeks shelter from his parents until school ends so he calls Mr. Antolini. Upset that Holden has been expelled from another school, Mr. Antolini invites Holden to come stay at to his house. Holden describes Mr. Antolini as the best teacher he ever had. After hanging up Holden convinces Phoebe to dance with him, but their parents come home. Holden hides in the closet until his mother tucks Phoebe in. After his mother leaves, he emerges and tells Phoebe of his plan to head out. She gives him all her Christmas money but he refuses to take it at first, and then insists that she take his red hunting hat in exchange.
3 techniques used in this chapter are:
the italics used (eg. “because she can dance”, “You can even tango”. These create more effect in these words and show us that this is what impresses him about his sister)
how he says he shouldn’t have done something (eg. “I shouldn’t have even been smoking” which tells us that he doesn’t have second thoughts about what would happen to him if he got caught by his parents and what would happen to his sister’s health)
the darkness when his mother tucks Phoebe in bed ( this could be a foresight into the future, that his mother will never be able to find him even when he is meant to get back home after school was over)
The italics represent how serious Holden usually is while he’s talking to show that this is a serious part of the story. When he says that he shouldn’t have done something it tells us that he still might’ve been a bit drunk.
In this chapter Holden is still hiding from his parents and the only community, society or group he belongs to is with his sister.
Basically Holden has just finished arguing with his sister about flunking school and getting expelled and he seeks shelter from his parents until school ends so he calls Mr. Antolini. Upset that Holden has been expelled from another school, Mr. Antolini invites Holden to come stay at to his house. Holden describes Mr. Antolini as the best teacher he ever had. After hanging up Holden convinces Phoebe to dance with him, but their parents come home. Holden hides in the closet until his mother tucks Phoebe in. After his mother leaves, he emerges and tells Phoebe of his plan to head out. She gives him all her Christmas money but he refuses to take it at first, and then insists that she take his red hunting hat in exchange.
3 techniques used in this chapter are:
the italics used (eg. “because she can dance”, “You can even tango”. These create more effect in these words and show us that this is what impresses him about his sister)
how he says he shouldn’t have done something (eg. “I shouldn’t have even been smoking” which tells us that he doesn’t have second thoughts about what would happen to him if he got caught by his parents and what would happen to his sister’s health)
the darkness when his mother tucks Phoebe in bed ( this could be a foresight into the future, that his mother will never be able to find him even when he is meant to get back home after school was over)
The italics represent how serious Holden usually is while he’s talking to show that this is a serious part of the story. When he says that he shouldn’t have done something it tells us that he still might’ve been a bit drunk.
In this chapter Holden is still hiding from his parents and the only community, society or group he belongs to is with his sister.
Chapter 9 Summary + Analysis
This chapter deals with Holden’s inability to call anyone, his fascination with the ducks near Central Park South, and his teenage hormone-driven desire to have sex. Salinger has used a variety of literary techniques to convey how there is a distinct separation between Holden and society.
At the beginning of the chapter, after getting off at Penn Station, Holden feels “…like giving somebody a buzz”. This first person narration emphasises Holden’s careful planning and somewhat desperation which leads him to discover that he has no one to call. This early revelation shows Holden’s detached place in society.
Also, the descriptive language used by Salinger as Holden looks inquisitively out the window of his hotel room “I saw one guy, a gray-haired, very distinguished-looking guy with only his shorts on...” which is later somewhat juxtaposed with Holden’s comment “…that hotel was lousy with perverts”, conveys Holden’s hypocritical nature, which is possibly why he feels alienated from society.
In addition to this, Salinger uses the “…ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South” as a motif to represent the curiosity Holden possesses as being youthful. Later in the book, the reader understands that just like the pond is in transition between two states, Holden is in transition between childhood and adulthood, which is a major contributor to his separation from society.
At the beginning of the chapter, after getting off at Penn Station, Holden feels “…like giving somebody a buzz”. This first person narration emphasises Holden’s careful planning and somewhat desperation which leads him to discover that he has no one to call. This early revelation shows Holden’s detached place in society.
Also, the descriptive language used by Salinger as Holden looks inquisitively out the window of his hotel room “I saw one guy, a gray-haired, very distinguished-looking guy with only his shorts on...” which is later somewhat juxtaposed with Holden’s comment “…that hotel was lousy with perverts”, conveys Holden’s hypocritical nature, which is possibly why he feels alienated from society.
In addition to this, Salinger uses the “…ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South” as a motif to represent the curiosity Holden possesses as being youthful. Later in the book, the reader understands that just like the pond is in transition between two states, Holden is in transition between childhood and adulthood, which is a major contributor to his separation from society.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Kanashya
Chapter 13
Holden walks from the nightclub back to the hotel and along the way he acknowledges that he is a coward. This confession results from Holden thinking about his gloves and wondering who stole them at Pencey. Taking the elevator up to his room the elevator operator talks him into hiring a prostitute. When she is there and takes her dress off Holden begins to feel like a coward and backs out. He makes an excuse about an operation on his ‘clavichord’ which is why he can’t have sex. He pays her the five dollars he owes her and asks her to leave. She however, claimed the price was ten but since Holden refuses to pay more she leaves.
The chapter starts with Holden walking back from the nightclub and decides to put on his red hunting hat to protect himself from the wind. Although he says ‘I didn’t give a damn how I looked’, obviously he does care about what other people think of him or he wouldn’t keep trying to convince the reader otherwise. In earlier chapters it was also obvious that others’ opinions of him were important though he continually denied it. We find out that although he is self-conscious it’s clear that the hat provides comfort. Mainly due to the colour of the hat being red and Phoebe and Allie’s hair colour also being red and so the hat in a way personifies his siblings.
Holden calls himself a ‘yellow’ guy, which he describes as those people who do not willingly get into fights. He says this when he wants to pick up a fight with whoever stole his gloves although he would lose. He admits that he wouldn’t mind getting injured but he ‘can’t stand looking at the other guy’s face’. This represents a metaphor for Holden unable to look at the evil in the world. Yet he contradicts himself yet again to say that he may get into a fight to get his gloves back and that maybe he isn’t a yellow guy. But he soon changes his mind once again and confirms his ‘yellowness’. This colour comparison tells us that Holden sees things in a childish way and although considers him above adults, he still has habits of a child.
Sunny, the prostitute, resembles to Holden something he wants and doesn’t simultaneously. He ends up critisising her by thinking to himself how immature she seemed. She ends up with the same thoughts and asks him how old he is. Sunny brings upon Holden the notion of attending for his sexual needs but he refuses. This brings on him once again how he is a yellow guy.
Individual versus society is thoroughly explored in this chapter. This is evident when Holden wants to fight whoever stole his gloves. As explained earlier it shows he cannot look at evil in the world and has his own little sanctuary which is only of innocence. These thoughts normally occur to him when he has the red hunting cap on which distinguishes him from society. Also when Holden calls upon the prostitute and doesn’t do anything, it shows that he is scared to sleep with Sunny and takes the path of refuge only resulting in isolation.
Holden walks from the nightclub back to the hotel and along the way he acknowledges that he is a coward. This confession results from Holden thinking about his gloves and wondering who stole them at Pencey. Taking the elevator up to his room the elevator operator talks him into hiring a prostitute. When she is there and takes her dress off Holden begins to feel like a coward and backs out. He makes an excuse about an operation on his ‘clavichord’ which is why he can’t have sex. He pays her the five dollars he owes her and asks her to leave. She however, claimed the price was ten but since Holden refuses to pay more she leaves.
The chapter starts with Holden walking back from the nightclub and decides to put on his red hunting hat to protect himself from the wind. Although he says ‘I didn’t give a damn how I looked’, obviously he does care about what other people think of him or he wouldn’t keep trying to convince the reader otherwise. In earlier chapters it was also obvious that others’ opinions of him were important though he continually denied it. We find out that although he is self-conscious it’s clear that the hat provides comfort. Mainly due to the colour of the hat being red and Phoebe and Allie’s hair colour also being red and so the hat in a way personifies his siblings.
Holden calls himself a ‘yellow’ guy, which he describes as those people who do not willingly get into fights. He says this when he wants to pick up a fight with whoever stole his gloves although he would lose. He admits that he wouldn’t mind getting injured but he ‘can’t stand looking at the other guy’s face’. This represents a metaphor for Holden unable to look at the evil in the world. Yet he contradicts himself yet again to say that he may get into a fight to get his gloves back and that maybe he isn’t a yellow guy. But he soon changes his mind once again and confirms his ‘yellowness’. This colour comparison tells us that Holden sees things in a childish way and although considers him above adults, he still has habits of a child.
Sunny, the prostitute, resembles to Holden something he wants and doesn’t simultaneously. He ends up critisising her by thinking to himself how immature she seemed. She ends up with the same thoughts and asks him how old he is. Sunny brings upon Holden the notion of attending for his sexual needs but he refuses. This brings on him once again how he is a yellow guy.
Individual versus society is thoroughly explored in this chapter. This is evident when Holden wants to fight whoever stole his gloves. As explained earlier it shows he cannot look at evil in the world and has his own little sanctuary which is only of innocence. These thoughts normally occur to him when he has the red hunting cap on which distinguishes him from society. Also when Holden calls upon the prostitute and doesn’t do anything, it shows that he is scared to sleep with Sunny and takes the path of refuge only resulting in isolation.
Robert- Chapter 22 Holden tries to explain to Phoebe why he was expelled from Pencey. He tries to explain to her that all the students were 'phony' and mean but ends up admitting that he 'can't explain'. Phoebe challenges him to name one thing that he likes. Holden struggles and becomes distracted. All he can think about is the two nuns, a boy from Elkton Hills, James Castle, who killed himself, and Allie. He finally tells Phoebe that he likes Allie and also that he likes talking to Phoebe but Phoebe thinks that neither of those two things count. In response to Phoebe's suggestion that he should become a lawyer, Holden outlines quite honestly his problems. Phoebe does not understand. Holden then tells her that he would like to be 'the catcher in the rye'. Holden imagines that there are children playing in a field of rye but they are in danger of falling off a cliff. Holden wants to be the person who stops them from falling. "I’m standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff—I mean if they’re running and they don’t look where they’re going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That’s all I’d do all day. I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all".Holden his fantasy of idealistic childhood and of his role as the protector of innocence. His fantasy world is based on the idea that children are simple and innocent while adults are superficial, hypocritical and phony. His catcher in the rye fantasy reflects his innocence, his belief in pure, uncorrupted youth. It also represents his extreme disconnection from reality and his view of the world.
"It was one of the worst schools I ever went to. It was full of phonies". When Phoebe asks Holden why he got the ax from his school he replied by saying it was full of phonies. People being phonies is one of the main reasons why Holden doesn't like the outside world. This is shown in this quote. He dislikes phonies alot. "You don't like anything that's happening. Name one thing".Phoebe asks Holden to name one thing he likes and he struggles to come up with an answer. He thinks about the nuns and James Castle, who killed himself. He finally tells Phoebe that he likes Allie and also that he likes talking to Phoebe but Phoebe thinks that neither of those two things count. The things he thought about and said are weird as he hardly knows the nuns or James Castle and Allie is dead. This shows that the more he knows about people the more faults he recognises in them. The nuns are an obvious symbol of purity. Allie, having never reached adulthood, will always be pure and innocent in Holden's mind. This chapter shows Holden excluded from society when he struggled to come up with something he liked and the reasons why. When he says that he hated school because it was full of phonies and that he wanted to cath the children before falling from the cliff into adulthood, shows what he thinks of adulthood and the society.
"It was one of the worst schools I ever went to. It was full of phonies". When Phoebe asks Holden why he got the ax from his school he replied by saying it was full of phonies. People being phonies is one of the main reasons why Holden doesn't like the outside world. This is shown in this quote. He dislikes phonies alot. "You don't like anything that's happening. Name one thing".Phoebe asks Holden to name one thing he likes and he struggles to come up with an answer. He thinks about the nuns and James Castle, who killed himself. He finally tells Phoebe that he likes Allie and also that he likes talking to Phoebe but Phoebe thinks that neither of those two things count. The things he thought about and said are weird as he hardly knows the nuns or James Castle and Allie is dead. This shows that the more he knows about people the more faults he recognises in them. The nuns are an obvious symbol of purity. Allie, having never reached adulthood, will always be pure and innocent in Holden's mind. This chapter shows Holden excluded from society when he struggled to come up with something he liked and the reasons why. When he says that he hated school because it was full of phonies and that he wanted to cath the children before falling from the cliff into adulthood, shows what he thinks of adulthood and the society.
The Catcher in the Rye Chapter 26 Sanjeevi Visagamoorthy
The chapter begins at the end of Holden story, with him summing up his thoughts about what’s going to happen to him at his new school next September. He is still criticising the way people and the society act even in his closing statements. He recounts how when D.B came to visit him in the rest home from Hollywood, he didn’t feel like telling D.B about all the events that had occurred throughout the book. His closing statement ends with him saying, “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”
The tone conveyed throughout this chapter is Holden’s continuing feeling of loneliness and solitude. Even when D.B, his own brother visits him from Hollywood, Holden continues to isolate himself by not bothering to talk to D.B about the events that happened since Pencey Prep. In this sense the reader feels a certain connection to Holden, as it seems that Holden would rather converse with a stranger (the reader), than with his family, as he has no connection to them. He alienates himself throughout the entire book, and his solitary nature is conveyed clearly in the closing statements of the book. He still seems scared and alone, and he continues to dread communication, however the use of the words “…missing everybody”, shows that perhaps Holden has started to lose the cynical nature that had surrounded him throughout the book. Although he is still afraid of reaching out to people, it shows that he is not as bitter and repressed as he was earlier in the book.
The chapter begins at the end of Holden story, with him summing up his thoughts about what’s going to happen to him at his new school next September. He is still criticising the way people and the society act even in his closing statements. He recounts how when D.B came to visit him in the rest home from Hollywood, he didn’t feel like telling D.B about all the events that had occurred throughout the book. His closing statement ends with him saying, “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”
The tone conveyed throughout this chapter is Holden’s continuing feeling of loneliness and solitude. Even when D.B, his own brother visits him from Hollywood, Holden continues to isolate himself by not bothering to talk to D.B about the events that happened since Pencey Prep. In this sense the reader feels a certain connection to Holden, as it seems that Holden would rather converse with a stranger (the reader), than with his family, as he has no connection to them. He alienates himself throughout the entire book, and his solitary nature is conveyed clearly in the closing statements of the book. He still seems scared and alone, and he continues to dread communication, however the use of the words “…missing everybody”, shows that perhaps Holden has started to lose the cynical nature that had surrounded him throughout the book. Although he is still afraid of reaching out to people, it shows that he is not as bitter and repressed as he was earlier in the book.
Grace
Catcher in the Rye - Chapter 2
Going to great lengths to describe his ex-teacher Mr. Spencer and what he thought about him [a pattern which continues for the rest of the chapter], Holden opens the scene & explains why he’s in Spencer’s room after he has entered. Small talk begins, before taking a quick turn into the ‘serious matters’ of Holden leaving Pencey. Holden’s growing annoyance with Spencer [and possibly himself] becomes apparent as Spencer details exactly how horribly he ‘flunked’, making Holden read out his history essay. He attempts to counsel Holden and is genuinely concerned for him. Despite Holden’s realization that he’s actually trying to help, he still feels like he can’t relate to him and blows off the advice instead. He sucks up to Spencer and pretends he has learnt his lesson – and then makes excuses to leave. [] Repetition; Holden repeatedly stresses how Spencer won’t listen to him and continues to interrupt as he tries to defend himself. “You can’t stop a teacher when they want to do something. They just do it,” shows his negative, generalized view of the authority figures in his life. Neither can understand the other.[] Digression; As they discuss his feelings about failing in his academic life, Holden is mentally complaining about Spencer’s chest. This possibly displays his reluctance [or inability?] for what society usually thinks as serious issues – or this could simply emphasize his flippant view towards the older demographic. It also lends the reader the sensation that Holden is actually speaking to them. [] Colloquialism; Holden’s liberal use of colloquial language [‘So I shot the bull for a while’] instantly establishes an informal relationship with the reader. This coupled with his many truncated sentences creates an image of a young adolescent – which is sort of ironic as he uses both techniques when he tries to convey to the reader that he can also be mature. [‘People never notice anything.’ is also a way of Holden ‘providing another reason’ about why he should separate himself from that society.] In this chapter, I don’t think the emphasis is entirely on the individual in society – after all, Holden’s reaction to his teacher’s advice and schoolwork is that of a regular teenager. His mental digressions throughout their conversation however, indicates that he is disgusted with the values of the society he lives in, as shown when he gives a lengthy paragraph about how he hated the way his old school’s headmaster displayed an obvious bias towards parents’ who were more well-off than others.
Going to great lengths to describe his ex-teacher Mr. Spencer and what he thought about him [a pattern which continues for the rest of the chapter], Holden opens the scene & explains why he’s in Spencer’s room after he has entered. Small talk begins, before taking a quick turn into the ‘serious matters’ of Holden leaving Pencey. Holden’s growing annoyance with Spencer [and possibly himself] becomes apparent as Spencer details exactly how horribly he ‘flunked’, making Holden read out his history essay. He attempts to counsel Holden and is genuinely concerned for him. Despite Holden’s realization that he’s actually trying to help, he still feels like he can’t relate to him and blows off the advice instead. He sucks up to Spencer and pretends he has learnt his lesson – and then makes excuses to leave. [] Repetition; Holden repeatedly stresses how Spencer won’t listen to him and continues to interrupt as he tries to defend himself. “You can’t stop a teacher when they want to do something. They just do it,” shows his negative, generalized view of the authority figures in his life. Neither can understand the other.[] Digression; As they discuss his feelings about failing in his academic life, Holden is mentally complaining about Spencer’s chest. This possibly displays his reluctance [or inability?] for what society usually thinks as serious issues – or this could simply emphasize his flippant view towards the older demographic. It also lends the reader the sensation that Holden is actually speaking to them. [] Colloquialism; Holden’s liberal use of colloquial language [‘So I shot the bull for a while’] instantly establishes an informal relationship with the reader. This coupled with his many truncated sentences creates an image of a young adolescent – which is sort of ironic as he uses both techniques when he tries to convey to the reader that he can also be mature. [‘People never notice anything.’ is also a way of Holden ‘providing another reason’ about why he should separate himself from that society.] In this chapter, I don’t think the emphasis is entirely on the individual in society – after all, Holden’s reaction to his teacher’s advice and schoolwork is that of a regular teenager. His mental digressions throughout their conversation however, indicates that he is disgusted with the values of the society he lives in, as shown when he gives a lengthy paragraph about how he hated the way his old school’s headmaster displayed an obvious bias towards parents’ who were more well-off than others.
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Pallavi
Catcher in the Rye - Chapter 12
Holden gets into a cab and starts a conversation with the driver, Horwitz, about the ducks at the Lagoon in Central Park. Horwitz becomes irritated and Holden drops the conversation. He then goes into a bar where he meets his brother D.B’s ex-girlfriend, Lillian Simmons and her current boyfriend. Annoyed at the fact that he met Lillian, Holden decides to leave.
Techniques –
The references to ‘Phoebe’ display that Holden still holds onto his childhood. She represents his innocence in an adult society.
Hyperbole. ‘They just can’t ignore it’ (page 75). Most of the words in italics show that Holden talks just like a teenager. The effect of this is to make written thought and conversations as speech like as possible so the audience can relate to Holden.
Frequent use of truncated sentences like ‘I’m not kidding’. Again the effect is to make written works seem like Holden is speaking to the audience directly.
The symbolism and constant reference to the ducks at Central Park is significant in Catcher in the Rye. When Holden wonders where the ducks go in winter we see genuine curiosity and his childlike manner, which is not present when he talks about other things. The ducks going away in winter and coming back in spring represents a cycle where change is not permanent. Holden still wants to believe that the death of his brother Allie did not occur and he will come back one day.
Like the entire novel, Holden is an individual who is separated from society. In this chapter the society is New York City. Holden states ‘New York’s terrible when somebody laughs on the street very late at night’. The quote shows that Holden cannot understand and feel what everyone thinks is normal. He does not want to conform, although, as a non-conformist, Holden feels lonely being by himself. He wants to be a part of society yet he yearns not to because he objects to its core values.
Holden gets into a cab and starts a conversation with the driver, Horwitz, about the ducks at the Lagoon in Central Park. Horwitz becomes irritated and Holden drops the conversation. He then goes into a bar where he meets his brother D.B’s ex-girlfriend, Lillian Simmons and her current boyfriend. Annoyed at the fact that he met Lillian, Holden decides to leave.
Techniques –
The references to ‘Phoebe’ display that Holden still holds onto his childhood. She represents his innocence in an adult society.
Hyperbole. ‘They just can’t ignore it’ (page 75). Most of the words in italics show that Holden talks just like a teenager. The effect of this is to make written thought and conversations as speech like as possible so the audience can relate to Holden.
Frequent use of truncated sentences like ‘I’m not kidding’. Again the effect is to make written works seem like Holden is speaking to the audience directly.
The symbolism and constant reference to the ducks at Central Park is significant in Catcher in the Rye. When Holden wonders where the ducks go in winter we see genuine curiosity and his childlike manner, which is not present when he talks about other things. The ducks going away in winter and coming back in spring represents a cycle where change is not permanent. Holden still wants to believe that the death of his brother Allie did not occur and he will come back one day.
Like the entire novel, Holden is an individual who is separated from society. In this chapter the society is New York City. Holden states ‘New York’s terrible when somebody laughs on the street very late at night’. The quote shows that Holden cannot understand and feel what everyone thinks is normal. He does not want to conform, although, as a non-conformist, Holden feels lonely being by himself. He wants to be a part of society yet he yearns not to because he objects to its core values.
CHAPTER SUMMARY 1:
Dinithi Summary: Holden Caulfield introduces himself in this chapter. He doesn’t really talk about his early life. The only thing that he really mentions about his life is his brother, D.B and how he is a Hollywood writer. Holden looks at his brother as someone who has ‘sold out’ to Hollywood. Holden doesn’t apply himself at a Boarding school called Pencey Prep and as a result he has been forbidden to attend school after the fall. He was the manager of the fencing team and was supposed to be in New York for a meeting, but lost the teams equipment on the subway, forcing everyone to return early.The Saturday before Christmas vacation, Holden stands on Thomsen Hill overlooking the football field, on which a grudge match against Saxon Hill is being battled out. This is his way of saying goodbye. He then walks away from the game to say goodbye to Mr Spencer, a former history teacher who is very old and ill with the flu. He runs to Spencer’s house but since he is a heavy smoker, he catches his breath. Spencer’s wife greets Holden warmly and goes in to see his teacher.Techniques and explanation of their effects:Page 1: When describing his parents as “touchy as hell”, Holden’s’ use of colloquial language establishes an informal relationship with the reader.Page 1: Holden’s describes his brother D.B, as “being a prostitute”, metaphorically alluding to his brother ‘selling himself out’ to Hollywood. This highlights Holden’s disapproval of the materialistic world surrounding him.Page 2: “They don’t do any damn more molding at Pencey than they do at any other school”. His cynical and negative tone obviously enlightens us as the readers about his disapproval towards Pencey Prep. This also makes us see Holden’s disapproval of society as a whole and the values they hold, which Holden disagrees with mostly. Individual and society: Even in the beginning Holden is physically separated from the fellow peers when he is overlooking them from the hill. His cynicism and negativity tells us that he does not want to be a part of this society which he makes a point of criticising at any given point.
Dinithi Summary: Holden Caulfield introduces himself in this chapter. He doesn’t really talk about his early life. The only thing that he really mentions about his life is his brother, D.B and how he is a Hollywood writer. Holden looks at his brother as someone who has ‘sold out’ to Hollywood. Holden doesn’t apply himself at a Boarding school called Pencey Prep and as a result he has been forbidden to attend school after the fall. He was the manager of the fencing team and was supposed to be in New York for a meeting, but lost the teams equipment on the subway, forcing everyone to return early.The Saturday before Christmas vacation, Holden stands on Thomsen Hill overlooking the football field, on which a grudge match against Saxon Hill is being battled out. This is his way of saying goodbye. He then walks away from the game to say goodbye to Mr Spencer, a former history teacher who is very old and ill with the flu. He runs to Spencer’s house but since he is a heavy smoker, he catches his breath. Spencer’s wife greets Holden warmly and goes in to see his teacher.Techniques and explanation of their effects:Page 1: When describing his parents as “touchy as hell”, Holden’s’ use of colloquial language establishes an informal relationship with the reader.Page 1: Holden’s describes his brother D.B, as “being a prostitute”, metaphorically alluding to his brother ‘selling himself out’ to Hollywood. This highlights Holden’s disapproval of the materialistic world surrounding him.Page 2: “They don’t do any damn more molding at Pencey than they do at any other school”. His cynical and negative tone obviously enlightens us as the readers about his disapproval towards Pencey Prep. This also makes us see Holden’s disapproval of society as a whole and the values they hold, which Holden disagrees with mostly. Individual and society: Even in the beginning Holden is physically separated from the fellow peers when he is overlooking them from the hill. His cynicism and negativity tells us that he does not want to be a part of this society which he makes a point of criticising at any given point.
Friday, August 21, 2009
Annee
Chapter 11
Holden reminisces about Jane, and the way he met her. Holden portrays how special she is to her by only showing her Allie’s baseball cap. Moreover, he reveals they had a physical relationship; they held hands. This made Holden very happy. Once they were playing checkers and Jane’s abusive stepfather came out onto the porch asking for cigarettes. She did not answer him, and on his departure broken down. Holden went over to comfort her while she kissed her all over. After reminiscing he is over come with sadness.
‘I knew her like a book’
Simile
The use of the simile shows us the type of companionship Jane was. The nostalgic reflection creates a parallel with the reader, causing them to reflect on how Holden is lacking a friend and empathy. We, the readers should understand Holden although he alienates and become his friend.
‘So what I did was, I went over and madder her move over on the glider so that I could sit down next to her…’
The use of first person, displays a parallel between Jane and Holden’s relationship to Holden’s status. Jane is experiencing pain and grief, Holden steps into comfort her. He understands what she is feeling. Presently, he is in the same situation and cannot earn the empathy of the reader. He seeks that moment of compassion that he had with Jane.
Holden has the inability to understand the world around him and the unwillingness to acknowledge the world around him. Through this chapter he reveals his disconnection and isolation. The individual, Holden has perceptions that do not match society’s perceptions. Perception is what corrupts society.
Holden reminisces about Jane, and the way he met her. Holden portrays how special she is to her by only showing her Allie’s baseball cap. Moreover, he reveals they had a physical relationship; they held hands. This made Holden very happy. Once they were playing checkers and Jane’s abusive stepfather came out onto the porch asking for cigarettes. She did not answer him, and on his departure broken down. Holden went over to comfort her while she kissed her all over. After reminiscing he is over come with sadness.
‘I knew her like a book’
Simile
The use of the simile shows us the type of companionship Jane was. The nostalgic reflection creates a parallel with the reader, causing them to reflect on how Holden is lacking a friend and empathy. We, the readers should understand Holden although he alienates and become his friend.
‘So what I did was, I went over and madder her move over on the glider so that I could sit down next to her…’
The use of first person, displays a parallel between Jane and Holden’s relationship to Holden’s status. Jane is experiencing pain and grief, Holden steps into comfort her. He understands what she is feeling. Presently, he is in the same situation and cannot earn the empathy of the reader. He seeks that moment of compassion that he had with Jane.
Holden has the inability to understand the world around him and the unwillingness to acknowledge the world around him. Through this chapter he reveals his disconnection and isolation. The individual, Holden has perceptions that do not match society’s perceptions. Perception is what corrupts society.
Helen
Chapter 8 SummaryHolden walks to a train station after having a physical fight with his room-mate Stradlater with his luggage, determined he will not stay in Pencey because he knows he doesn’t belong there. He gets onto the train and meets a middle aged woman whom he finds attractive and starts a conversation with her. The woman happens to be a mother of a boy who goes to Pencey too. Holden describes how he likes women generally to the reader, especially sexy women and admits that he can be a great liar. The conversation is about Morrow, the lady’s son and his excuses on why he is on the train. Holden fibs to the lady saying he has a tiny tumor on his brain and that he is going to get an operation done to it. The chapter ends with Holden telling the reader that he dislikes Morrow even though he talked about him to his mother as if he was a great boy. Techniques and Effects used in this Chapter“Women kill me. They really do.”These truncated sentences with the use of exaggeration stating that women ‘kill’ Holden gives an assurance to the reader from the serious tone that Holden is telling the truth that he has a weak side to women. This allows the reader to know that Holden is a teenage boy, going through the adolescent stage where he is desiring sex. “She had quite a lot of sex appeal, too, if you really want to know.” This sentence uses two commas to indicate that Holden hesitated to tell the reader the rest of the information, alienating and leaving the reader feel insignificant to Holden. Salinger uses a lot of techniques by making Holden’s tone defensive making the reader feel alienated throughout the whole book. This emphasises Holden’s perception of everyone being ‘phony’ and that he cannot trust anyone.“Once I get started, I can go for hours if I feel like it. No kidding. Hours.” The italics used on the word ‘hours’ in this sentence emphasises the person writing style which is 1st person limiting the way the reader can see the situation if not guided by Holden’s thoughts. This tone of wanting the reader to be on his side and exactly understand what he is saying explains Holden’s longing to belong with people yet alienating them at the same time. This chapter explores the concept of the individual and society as there is a lot of dialogue, exposing Holden‘s phony side as well as his real thoughts. There is the conversation between Holden and Morrow’s mother and also the other voice of Holden which is him talking to the reader. The thoughts he tells the reader is about him lying to the mother and finding the reactions amusing. This emphasises Holden being a very negative boy but longs the reader to be on his side by the tone he uses limiting the reader in understanding the story and not giving a chance to disagree with him. He is physically separated from his school and the train is totally empty besides a person who is not his age nor the same sex accentuating the separation he is feeling within his society.
Ashwini
Chapter 14 Summary: Holden remembers an event that occurred before his brother Allie died. Holden didn’t let his brother play in a BB-gun game and still feels guilty about it. He gets into bed and has a sudden feeling to start praying although he isn’t very religious but doesn’t end up praying. While he’s in bed, the door starts knocking abruptly and Holden opens it. At the door, an elevator operator, Maurice, comes to help demand the five dollars that Sunny wanted before. Maurice pushes Holden to the wall because Holden doesn’t want give the money. Whilst this is happening, Sunny takes Holden’s money from his wallet. Holden starts insulting Maurice when Maurice hits Holden’s groin and then, Maurice attacks Holden in the stomach. Holden is left unstable on the floor and imagines he is buff and takes revenge on Maurice by shooting him in the stomach with a gun. Soon, he somehow goes to sleep.
Three Techniques Used:
Direct address – The effect of addressing the reader is to engage the reader and voice out the narrator’s, Holden, opinions directly so they can understand Holden’s views on a particular notion without any changes to his thoughts. For example, “If you want to know the truth, I can’t even stand ministers.”
Colloquialism – Holden uses colloquial language frequently to create a casual tone. It allows the reader to comprehend Holden’s mood and lets Holden and the reader share a common ground. The spontaneous aspect of his colloquial speech creates a realistic attribute to Holden. Examples include “What’s the matter? Wudduya want?’ I said,” and “I told him he was a goddam dirty moron.”
Truncated sentences – These short sentences are used to illustrate the mood of a character or to create abruptness. In this particular context, Holden’s mood is portrayed as annoyed and angered. For example, Holden shares his emotions and opinions in the quote “The goddam movies. They can ruin you. I’m not kidding.”
Links to Individual and Society: In Chapter 14, the relationship between Holden and the other characters shape our understanding of the fact that Holden doesn’t share pleasant mutuality towards a number of people. He is also afraid to be fight back to others when he is disrupted, for example, the use of truncated sentences in the quote, “He smacked me. I didn’t even try to get out of the way or duck or anything,” emphasises this concept. Holden has a very wild imagination and his immaturity and illogicality after being bullied shows his individual character compared to other teenage boys, which could be the reason why he is often alienated. His distressed attitude towards life represents the depressive behaviour an individual would feel when being an outcast in society and this is portrayed in the omniscient narration of the quote, “What I really felt like doing though, was committing suicide.”
Three Techniques Used:
Direct address – The effect of addressing the reader is to engage the reader and voice out the narrator’s, Holden, opinions directly so they can understand Holden’s views on a particular notion without any changes to his thoughts. For example, “If you want to know the truth, I can’t even stand ministers.”
Colloquialism – Holden uses colloquial language frequently to create a casual tone. It allows the reader to comprehend Holden’s mood and lets Holden and the reader share a common ground. The spontaneous aspect of his colloquial speech creates a realistic attribute to Holden. Examples include “What’s the matter? Wudduya want?’ I said,” and “I told him he was a goddam dirty moron.”
Truncated sentences – These short sentences are used to illustrate the mood of a character or to create abruptness. In this particular context, Holden’s mood is portrayed as annoyed and angered. For example, Holden shares his emotions and opinions in the quote “The goddam movies. They can ruin you. I’m not kidding.”
Links to Individual and Society: In Chapter 14, the relationship between Holden and the other characters shape our understanding of the fact that Holden doesn’t share pleasant mutuality towards a number of people. He is also afraid to be fight back to others when he is disrupted, for example, the use of truncated sentences in the quote, “He smacked me. I didn’t even try to get out of the way or duck or anything,” emphasises this concept. Holden has a very wild imagination and his immaturity and illogicality after being bullied shows his individual character compared to other teenage boys, which could be the reason why he is often alienated. His distressed attitude towards life represents the depressive behaviour an individual would feel when being an outcast in society and this is portrayed in the omniscient narration of the quote, “What I really felt like doing though, was committing suicide.”
Chapter 4- Vicky
Holden watches Stradlater shave and admires his physique and appearance. He compares the habits of Ackley, one that never brushes his teeth, and Stradlater, who looks good on the outside but fails to keep his razor clean. He decides that Ackley is a “slob in his personal habits” and Stradlater is a “secret slob”.
Ironically, Stradlater asks Holden, who is going through expulsion, to write him an English composition because he is on a date. Holden learns that Stradlater’s date is Jane Gallagher, a girl he knows and provokes a strong emotional response from him. Holden begins to pour out all the vivid memories he has of her, but Stradlater is indifferent and even says her name incorrectly. He dwells upon Jane dating Stradlater, a mature and sexually experienced boy from Pencey, and begins to be apprehensive as Stradlater leaves. Ackley barges in and Holden is thankful for his company because it takes his mind off Jane and Stradlater.
Techniques
In this chapter, Salinger uses a number of techniques to demonstrate the concept of individual and society through the voice of Holden. Such techniques include colloquial language, italics and digression. Holden’s voice is achieved through the use of colloquial language to establish a personal tone. His constant use of the expression “It really was” and “… and all” develops individuality as it is his own way of speaking. However, slang words in this chapter, such as “can” and “chewed the rag” signifies the teenage language spoken at the time. Italics are used to emphasize on particular words to express Holden’s tone: “I’m the one that’s flunking out of the goddamn place, and you’re asking me to write you a goddamn composition.” In that sentence, Holden speaks in an ironical tone and the italics “I’m” and “you’re” highlights the irony. Another technique used in this chapter that develops Holden’s voice is digression. This is used when Holden informs Stradlater about Jane, reciting all the memories he has of her. It helps the audience to get a better insight of Holden’s thoughts and adds authenticity to his voice.
Ironically, Stradlater asks Holden, who is going through expulsion, to write him an English composition because he is on a date. Holden learns that Stradlater’s date is Jane Gallagher, a girl he knows and provokes a strong emotional response from him. Holden begins to pour out all the vivid memories he has of her, but Stradlater is indifferent and even says her name incorrectly. He dwells upon Jane dating Stradlater, a mature and sexually experienced boy from Pencey, and begins to be apprehensive as Stradlater leaves. Ackley barges in and Holden is thankful for his company because it takes his mind off Jane and Stradlater.
Techniques
In this chapter, Salinger uses a number of techniques to demonstrate the concept of individual and society through the voice of Holden. Such techniques include colloquial language, italics and digression. Holden’s voice is achieved through the use of colloquial language to establish a personal tone. His constant use of the expression “It really was” and “… and all” develops individuality as it is his own way of speaking. However, slang words in this chapter, such as “can” and “chewed the rag” signifies the teenage language spoken at the time. Italics are used to emphasize on particular words to express Holden’s tone: “I’m the one that’s flunking out of the goddamn place, and you’re asking me to write you a goddamn composition.” In that sentence, Holden speaks in an ironical tone and the italics “I’m” and “you’re” highlights the irony. Another technique used in this chapter that develops Holden’s voice is digression. This is used when Holden informs Stradlater about Jane, reciting all the memories he has of her. It helps the audience to get a better insight of Holden’s thoughts and adds authenticity to his voice.
The Catcher in the Rye
Chapter 7
Stacey Song
Holden enters Ackley’s room after the fight with Stradlater and asks Ackley if he can spend the night in the room with him. Holden continues to ignore or change the subject whenever Ackley asks for the reason behind the fight with Stradlater. After many attempts from Ackley to kick Holden out from his room, Holden thanks Ackley for being “a goddam prince” and leaves. He returns to his own room and packs his belongings into his suitcase while counting his “dough”. Holden then walks out of Pencey as he yells, “Sleep tight, ya morons!”
Holden is being direct to his readers, telling them about his past. “We once double-dated, in Ed Banky’s car”, this flashback is a technique that is used to reflect Holden’s tormented state of mind, this allows the readers to engage with Holden as well as gain more information about his past.
During the chapter Holden continues to introduce new information about him and his past in a non-chronological way, confusing the readers and building an air of disorganisation.
Truncated sentences are also used frequently by Holden during this chapter, this captures and emphasises Holden’s personality. “He was a pretty wealthy guy. He said he didn’t know. He said he didn’t much want to buy it.” Short and simple sentences like these address the story directly without the need of further explanation. They are made to be easier to understand for readers. It also describes Holden as a character being direct, stubborn and simplistic.
The use of italics on certain words emphasises the stress that it is given. It also gives away a personal writing style that Holden is using. “... In this very quiet, sincere voice – like as if he wasn’t only a very handsome guy but a nice, sincere guy too”. Italics can also give the effect of a sarcastic tone used by the narrator.
I think Holden’s ignorance towards other people such as Stradlater and Ackley, define him as an individual among society. Pencey being a high class school for teenage boys, it is assumed that they have certain values and expectancies of other students. However, it seems as though Holden stands out as an individual because he lives his life as it is.
During this chapter Holden’s thoughts and behaviour is not what a normal teenage boy’s would be like, again capturing his individuality compared to other boys his age.
Chapter 7
Stacey Song
Holden enters Ackley’s room after the fight with Stradlater and asks Ackley if he can spend the night in the room with him. Holden continues to ignore or change the subject whenever Ackley asks for the reason behind the fight with Stradlater. After many attempts from Ackley to kick Holden out from his room, Holden thanks Ackley for being “a goddam prince” and leaves. He returns to his own room and packs his belongings into his suitcase while counting his “dough”. Holden then walks out of Pencey as he yells, “Sleep tight, ya morons!”
Holden is being direct to his readers, telling them about his past. “We once double-dated, in Ed Banky’s car”, this flashback is a technique that is used to reflect Holden’s tormented state of mind, this allows the readers to engage with Holden as well as gain more information about his past.
During the chapter Holden continues to introduce new information about him and his past in a non-chronological way, confusing the readers and building an air of disorganisation.
Truncated sentences are also used frequently by Holden during this chapter, this captures and emphasises Holden’s personality. “He was a pretty wealthy guy. He said he didn’t know. He said he didn’t much want to buy it.” Short and simple sentences like these address the story directly without the need of further explanation. They are made to be easier to understand for readers. It also describes Holden as a character being direct, stubborn and simplistic.
The use of italics on certain words emphasises the stress that it is given. It also gives away a personal writing style that Holden is using. “... In this very quiet, sincere voice – like as if he wasn’t only a very handsome guy but a nice, sincere guy too”. Italics can also give the effect of a sarcastic tone used by the narrator.
I think Holden’s ignorance towards other people such as Stradlater and Ackley, define him as an individual among society. Pencey being a high class school for teenage boys, it is assumed that they have certain values and expectancies of other students. However, it seems as though Holden stands out as an individual because he lives his life as it is.
During this chapter Holden’s thoughts and behaviour is not what a normal teenage boy’s would be like, again capturing his individuality compared to other boys his age.
Chapter 15- Navneet
Catcher in the Rye
Chapter 15: Summary
Holden rings Sally Hayes and makes a date for later that afternoon with her. He checks out of the hotel he’s staying at and leaves his bags at Grand Central Station. He eats breakfast at a sandwich bar where he meets two nuns. They talk about Romeo and Juliet. He donates ten dollars to their charity, however, regrets it later as he needs the money for his date with Sally.
Techniques:
Intertextuality: the reference to Romeo and Juliet: “Oh, Romeo and Juliet!” allows the reader to see Holden’s views on the play/movie and perhaps relate to his opinion. The author is acknowledging that Holden has knowledge of this.
Through Holden’s thoughts in reference to Sally: “She gave me a pain in the ass, but she was very good looking.” This highlights His feeling of loneliness and desire for company. His own shallow nature is also revealed and we see that he himself is a hypocrite, as his own perceptions of other people are superficial.
Hyperbole: “I can even get to hate somebody, just looking at them, if they have cheap suitcases with them.” This adds emphasis to Holden’s judgmental personality as he exaggerates often throughout the novel.
Chapter 15 + Individual and Society:
From this chapter it is evident that Holden’s alienation from society is what causes him most of his pain. His own inability to mature and judgmental nature is what prevents him from interacting with society, and women in particular. This can be seen as his loneliness is what prompts him to make a date with Sally Hayes, however, as he later insults her and pushes her away, we see his need for isolation. We can see that Holden’s alienation gives him strength but at the same time causes him problems.
Chapter 15: Summary
Holden rings Sally Hayes and makes a date for later that afternoon with her. He checks out of the hotel he’s staying at and leaves his bags at Grand Central Station. He eats breakfast at a sandwich bar where he meets two nuns. They talk about Romeo and Juliet. He donates ten dollars to their charity, however, regrets it later as he needs the money for his date with Sally.
Techniques:
Intertextuality: the reference to Romeo and Juliet: “Oh, Romeo and Juliet!” allows the reader to see Holden’s views on the play/movie and perhaps relate to his opinion. The author is acknowledging that Holden has knowledge of this.
Through Holden’s thoughts in reference to Sally: “She gave me a pain in the ass, but she was very good looking.” This highlights His feeling of loneliness and desire for company. His own shallow nature is also revealed and we see that he himself is a hypocrite, as his own perceptions of other people are superficial.
Hyperbole: “I can even get to hate somebody, just looking at them, if they have cheap suitcases with them.” This adds emphasis to Holden’s judgmental personality as he exaggerates often throughout the novel.
Chapter 15 + Individual and Society:
From this chapter it is evident that Holden’s alienation from society is what causes him most of his pain. His own inability to mature and judgmental nature is what prevents him from interacting with society, and women in particular. This can be seen as his loneliness is what prompts him to make a date with Sally Hayes, however, as he later insults her and pushes her away, we see his need for isolation. We can see that Holden’s alienation gives him strength but at the same time causes him problems.
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Chapter 25 summary- Zhongyi
Chapter 25 Summary
Key Events
In this chapter, Holden escaped from Mr. Antolini’s apartment and spent the night on the benches at Grand Central Station. He became distressed and thought he would die from cancer or from disappearing into the road. Holden then decided to leave for the West and live away from the outside world.
As Holden still wanted to see Phoebe, he left her a note asking her to meet him in front of the Museum of Arts before he leaves. Unexpectedly, when Phoebe appeared, she brought her trunk and wanted to leave with him. Phoebe got angry with Holden when he refused to take her. The two then went to the zoo together where they reconciled and Holden watched Phoebe on the merry-go-round. He suddenly felt happy and decided to live life as it is.
Techniques and Effects
· Repeated hyperbole – “a million people started coming”, “and a million other things”, “a million little kids”, “a million holes to lace up”, “if you had a million years” etc. This showed that Holden felt the need to exaggerate his criticism on everything going around him, and hence suggesting he was angry with the world
· Symbolism – the red hunting hat symbolised isolation, the Museum symbolised things that never change e.g. Holden’s childhood memories, the zoo symbolised innocence and happiness – what Holden used to have before Allied died.
· Impersonal tone / direct address – establish the speaker as equal to the audience and hence enable the audience to have a more personal understanding of Holden’s experiences. Examples include “I wish you could’ve been there” and “You can’t trust anybody in a … school.”
· Digression and flashbacks – the disorganised order of narration presents the disorientated teenager’s voice in a thoughtful way. This gives the impression that Holden is directly speaking with the audience.
Links to Individual and Society
Apart from the physical intention to leave New York, Holden’s separation from society is also revealed in his cynical tone. One instance of this was Holden being “positive” at expecting rude words on his gravestone, because he assumed no-one in the world is honourable. This is a huge discrepancy between the individual’s expectation on society and reality.
In addition, the juxtaposition between Holden’s long-lost happiness and rain, which is a common symbol for sadness, may have suggested that Holden is quite opposite to everyone else.
Key Events
In this chapter, Holden escaped from Mr. Antolini’s apartment and spent the night on the benches at Grand Central Station. He became distressed and thought he would die from cancer or from disappearing into the road. Holden then decided to leave for the West and live away from the outside world.
As Holden still wanted to see Phoebe, he left her a note asking her to meet him in front of the Museum of Arts before he leaves. Unexpectedly, when Phoebe appeared, she brought her trunk and wanted to leave with him. Phoebe got angry with Holden when he refused to take her. The two then went to the zoo together where they reconciled and Holden watched Phoebe on the merry-go-round. He suddenly felt happy and decided to live life as it is.
Techniques and Effects
· Repeated hyperbole – “a million people started coming”, “and a million other things”, “a million little kids”, “a million holes to lace up”, “if you had a million years” etc. This showed that Holden felt the need to exaggerate his criticism on everything going around him, and hence suggesting he was angry with the world
· Symbolism – the red hunting hat symbolised isolation, the Museum symbolised things that never change e.g. Holden’s childhood memories, the zoo symbolised innocence and happiness – what Holden used to have before Allied died.
· Impersonal tone / direct address – establish the speaker as equal to the audience and hence enable the audience to have a more personal understanding of Holden’s experiences. Examples include “I wish you could’ve been there” and “You can’t trust anybody in a … school.”
· Digression and flashbacks – the disorganised order of narration presents the disorientated teenager’s voice in a thoughtful way. This gives the impression that Holden is directly speaking with the audience.
Links to Individual and Society
Apart from the physical intention to leave New York, Holden’s separation from society is also revealed in his cynical tone. One instance of this was Holden being “positive” at expecting rude words on his gravestone, because he assumed no-one in the world is honourable. This is a huge discrepancy between the individual’s expectation on society and reality.
In addition, the juxtaposition between Holden’s long-lost happiness and rain, which is a common symbol for sadness, may have suggested that Holden is quite opposite to everyone else.
Motif analysis- Zhongyi
Motif Analysis
– Cigarettes
1. Is the motif a noun, a verb or an adjective?
The motif is a noun.
2. How does it come up in the novel, and how does it impact what is going on? What happens immediately preceding or immediately following a mention or discussion of this motif?
The cigarette appears whenever something has gone wrong or is about to go wrong. It had the effect of providing Holden with temporary relief from unpleasant situations before something worse happens – the cigarette almost always appears between two stages in an unpleasant situation.
3. What mood/emotion would you associate this motif with? Is this mood consistent with every incidence of this motif?
The mood associated with this motif is one of desperation and uncertainty. This mood is very much consistent with every incidence of this motif – Holden asked Ackley for cigarettes after fighting with Stradlater over Jane, he smoked after being cheated by Sunny and Maurice and he smoked when making the disastrous date with Sally Hayes.
4. Is Holden alone when this motif occurs? With whom is he interacting? How would you characterise that interaction? Is there a connection to be made?
Holden is usually with other people when cigarettes appeared. Some people that he was interacting with when he smoked include Stradlater, Ackley, Mrs. Morrow, Sunny and Mr. Antolini. These people all had one common aspect: they provided Holden with a chance to relax for a short period of time before causing him to be in a worse situation.
5. What does this motif tell you about Holden in a “big picture” way? Does this suggest anything about his personality? His weaknesses or strength? His sense of himself?
This motif revealed that Holden was not as strong as he pretended to be – he needed rest in between episodes of misfortune. He sought relief from time to time, each time represented by mentioning or smoking cigarettes. His “sense of himself” is greatly weakened by this, as it is clear that he needed to resort to other people for comfort and support.
6. Did any pattern emerge? Write a single sentence that sums up what you’ve discovered. Write three or four sentences supporting your thesis sentence.
The cigarette symbolised temporary relief for Holden before a situation deteriorates. When Stradlater asked Holden for cigarettes to bring on his date, little did Holden know he was to destroy Jane’s innocence; Holden was able to talk with Sunny openly with a cigarette but he was to be cheated at the end; Mr. Antolini gave him cigarettes and provided him with shelter for the night but made him having to flee the house. All these events in which cigarettes appeared allowed Holden to escape from his everyday worries for a short time but were then followed by more problems that he had to face himself.
– Cigarettes
1. Is the motif a noun, a verb or an adjective?
The motif is a noun.
2. How does it come up in the novel, and how does it impact what is going on? What happens immediately preceding or immediately following a mention or discussion of this motif?
The cigarette appears whenever something has gone wrong or is about to go wrong. It had the effect of providing Holden with temporary relief from unpleasant situations before something worse happens – the cigarette almost always appears between two stages in an unpleasant situation.
3. What mood/emotion would you associate this motif with? Is this mood consistent with every incidence of this motif?
The mood associated with this motif is one of desperation and uncertainty. This mood is very much consistent with every incidence of this motif – Holden asked Ackley for cigarettes after fighting with Stradlater over Jane, he smoked after being cheated by Sunny and Maurice and he smoked when making the disastrous date with Sally Hayes.
4. Is Holden alone when this motif occurs? With whom is he interacting? How would you characterise that interaction? Is there a connection to be made?
Holden is usually with other people when cigarettes appeared. Some people that he was interacting with when he smoked include Stradlater, Ackley, Mrs. Morrow, Sunny and Mr. Antolini. These people all had one common aspect: they provided Holden with a chance to relax for a short period of time before causing him to be in a worse situation.
5. What does this motif tell you about Holden in a “big picture” way? Does this suggest anything about his personality? His weaknesses or strength? His sense of himself?
This motif revealed that Holden was not as strong as he pretended to be – he needed rest in between episodes of misfortune. He sought relief from time to time, each time represented by mentioning or smoking cigarettes. His “sense of himself” is greatly weakened by this, as it is clear that he needed to resort to other people for comfort and support.
6. Did any pattern emerge? Write a single sentence that sums up what you’ve discovered. Write three or four sentences supporting your thesis sentence.
The cigarette symbolised temporary relief for Holden before a situation deteriorates. When Stradlater asked Holden for cigarettes to bring on his date, little did Holden know he was to destroy Jane’s innocence; Holden was able to talk with Sunny openly with a cigarette but he was to be cheated at the end; Mr. Antolini gave him cigarettes and provided him with shelter for the night but made him having to flee the house. All these events in which cigarettes appeared allowed Holden to escape from his everyday worries for a short time but were then followed by more problems that he had to face himself.
Summary: Chapter Six
Stradlater comes home from his date with Jane, reads through the composition written for him by Holden and is clearly frustated with how irrelevant the piece is to the set assignment.
-"No wonder you're flunking the hell out of here," he said. "You don't do one damn thing the way you're supposed to. Not one damn thing."
Agitated by Stradlaters response to his work- most likely due to it's close link with a fond memory of his brother, Allie- Holden rips the paper to pieces. This can indicate his regret at sharing what can be seen as something truly important to him, and only have it be criticized, and worse- rejected; specially by a person who he finds worthless. Holden throwing the pieces in the wastebasket symbolizes his insecurity with both the composition and himself.
Holden then questions Stradlater in regards to his date with Jane. When Stradlater nonchalantly refuses to tell Holden any details, Holden attacks him physically. Holden's sudden desperation for at least the most miniscule sort of contact with Jane can indicate his desire to feel connected with someone else.
Holden ceaselessly insults Stradlater;
-"Why should I?" I said - I was practically yelling. 'Thats just the trouble with all you morons. You never want to discuss anything. That's the way you can always tell a moron. They never want to discuss anything intellig-"
After which Stradlater breaks Holdens nose. When Stradlater exists the room, Holden expresses his fascination at the bloodied mess which is his nose.
"
-It partly scared me and it partly fascinated me. All that sort of made me look tough. I'm not too tough. I'm a pacifist, if you want to know the truth.
This statement is, juxtaposed with Holden initiating the fight between himself and Stradlater and also shows Holden's inner conflict with his own identity at this period of time.
The chapter ends with Holden escaping into Ackley's room.
-"It always had a funny stink in it, because he was so crumby in his personal habits."
Holden's continuous foray into and out of Ackleys room can indicate his discomfort with his insecurities and he therefore interacts with someone he pities (Chapter 5, last 3 lines. That guy had just about everything... you had to feel a little sorry for the crazy sonuvabitch.) in order to assert some superiority and remind himself that he is, indeed, still worth more than someone else.
---
Am I meant to put this here? If not, sorry? Hehehe...
Excuse any english-ey errors or sentences that make no sense.
-"No wonder you're flunking the hell out of here," he said. "You don't do one damn thing the way you're supposed to. Not one damn thing."
Agitated by Stradlaters response to his work- most likely due to it's close link with a fond memory of his brother, Allie- Holden rips the paper to pieces. This can indicate his regret at sharing what can be seen as something truly important to him, and only have it be criticized, and worse- rejected; specially by a person who he finds worthless. Holden throwing the pieces in the wastebasket symbolizes his insecurity with both the composition and himself.
Holden then questions Stradlater in regards to his date with Jane. When Stradlater nonchalantly refuses to tell Holden any details, Holden attacks him physically. Holden's sudden desperation for at least the most miniscule sort of contact with Jane can indicate his desire to feel connected with someone else.
Holden ceaselessly insults Stradlater;
-"Why should I?" I said - I was practically yelling. 'Thats just the trouble with all you morons. You never want to discuss anything. That's the way you can always tell a moron. They never want to discuss anything intellig-"
After which Stradlater breaks Holdens nose. When Stradlater exists the room, Holden expresses his fascination at the bloodied mess which is his nose.
"
-It partly scared me and it partly fascinated me. All that sort of made me look tough. I'm not too tough. I'm a pacifist, if you want to know the truth.
This statement is, juxtaposed with Holden initiating the fight between himself and Stradlater and also shows Holden's inner conflict with his own identity at this period of time.
The chapter ends with Holden escaping into Ackley's room.
-"It always had a funny stink in it, because he was so crumby in his personal habits."
Holden's continuous foray into and out of Ackleys room can indicate his discomfort with his insecurities and he therefore interacts with someone he pities (Chapter 5, last 3 lines. That guy had just about everything... you had to feel a little sorry for the crazy sonuvabitch.) in order to assert some superiority and remind himself that he is, indeed, still worth more than someone else.
---
Am I meant to put this here? If not, sorry? Hehehe...
Excuse any english-ey errors or sentences that make no sense.
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