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Theme Of Character Names In Catcher In The Rye

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“I can't explain what I mean. And even if I could, I'm not sure I'd feel like it”(Salinger 74). Once again Holden “holds” back from the reader to avoid saying too much about himself. Thus, to achieve the greatest knowledge of The Catcher in the Rye the reader must examine the connections between the symbolic character names and the recurring themes. From the major characters including Holden Caulfield to the minor characters such as Sally Hayes, Salinger creatively uses their names to portray their personalities. As the novel opens, Holden stands alone on a hill that separates him from the rest of his peers. His stance is ironically similar to his view of the world; as an evil and corrupt place. Thus, when Mr. Spencer tells him that life …show more content…

Salinger reveals that while on the surface Holden’s personality appears to be that of a typical immature, whiny, and alienated boy he’s actually one of the few people in the story that is caring and compassionate. Even with Ackley, Holden’s neighbor at Pencey, who Holden describes as "... about 6'4- with lousy teeth... he had a terrible personality. He was also sort of a nasty guy. I wasn't too crazy about him, to tell you the truth"(Salinger 19) Holden’s poor description of Ackley’s revolting hygiene and features immediately disgusts the reader. Ackley also resembles a reaction of disgust since “Ack” is the time of reaction evoked when people are disgusted. Ackley also sounds like acne, which is one of Ackley’s more dominant features. Holden was deeply disgusted by Ackley, but even in his distaste for his roommate, Holden still said, “I was really glad to see him. He took my mind off the other stuff ”(Salinger 21). Holden’s affectionate side is also seen in his loving description of Phoebe. He says “You’d like her...she was somebody you always felt like talking to on the phone”(Salinger 37). Throughout the novel Phoebe is always one of the first

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