The Catcher In the Rye - The Thoughts of Holden

The mind, thoughts, and actions of Holden can be found quite stirring yet insightful. In the story, Holden often thinks about saying things to other people, but never really puts these actions forward. The smallest details about a person tend to annoy or depress him as well. Even though he may project derogatory forms of comments toward others, if readers think deeper and read between the lines, maybe there is a hidden message beneath those eerie remarks and thoughts.

Even though Holden claims that a good percentage of society that surrounds him are 'phonies', Holden has encountered several people whom he thinks fondly of and genuinely has positive thoughts for. When he eats breakfast at the train station, he comes across two nuns with suitcases. He tells the readers that he "hate[s] it when somebody has cheap suitcases" because it depresses him and makes him think of past memory of rooming with somebody who couldn't afford a more luxurious brand of suitcases(135). Fortunately though, as the story carries along, readers are able to view a more likeable Holden.

Among all of the hateful remarks and terrible thoughts that come across Holden's mind, Holden still has a good side. You can see examples of this when he walks into the park and tells about the amazing aspects of children and their innocence. Maybe, just maybe, his integrity and terrific well being will imbue as the story progresses.

Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Little, Brown, 1951. Print.

-Abriana Moreno