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Words of wisdom: My cup hath runneth'd over with love.

The Catcher in the Rye as an Analysis of Social Enlightenment
By Jonathan DePrizio
January 05, 2003

Like all great literature, the characters in The Catcher in the Rye are not normal by any regular definition of the word. This characteristic is most evident in Holden Caulfield, a man whom very few people would ever be able to see as "normal," though most readers are likely able to, at least to a minimal extent, identify with his emotions and thoughts. From this scenario, one can draw the conclusion that, though most people are able to see themselves in Holden, he has taken this identifiable trait to an extreme. After examining the events and conflicts in the novel, one can conclude that the quality separating Holden from his fellow man is that he has transcended the typical thought processes and desires of human beings trapped in a restrictive society. However, Holden physically remains captive in this "cage," and faces a constant struggle between his inner need to reach an enlightened state, and the society whose every device is aimed at preventing such a tranquil exitance.

Due to the vast differences between Holden and the rest of society, as well as society's natural tenancy to fight any sort of non-conformance its members may exhibit, Holden faces many challenges and is constantly confronted with the fact that he must either change himself, or escape society, in order to survive. Each of these challenges serve as proof of Holden's superiority to the rest of society, and that he has transcended the ways of normal beings. Holden begins the story describing the day that he left his school, Pencey Prep. However, he does not bring up the fact that he was expelled until a short while later, saying, "I forgot to tell you about that. They kicked me out." While most people would most likely begin by stating that they had gotten kicked out, Holden actually forgets this fact. This detail is one of many that shows how Holden's priorities are unlike those of most people. Later, while meeting with his teacher, Mr. Spencer, he is unable to accept that, "Life is a game that one plays according to the rules." Holden has transcended above the "rules" that normal beings follow, and cannot accept them; in fact, he often seems to be unable to so much as recognize them, such as when, later on in the novel, he hires a prostitute but is unwilling to have sex with her, and later insults her pimp - something "normal" people would have the common sense not to do. Another example of Holden's incompatibility with society is when he becomes obsessed with the ducks in the Central Park pond, and where they go during the winter, when it freezes over. He becomes obsessed with the topic, eventually to the point at which a cab driver yells at him for asking such foolish questions.

One of the most prominent examples of Holden's enlightenment is his view of many things in society as "phony." Generally, he finds what normal people would think to be anything ranging from manners, to intelligence, to acquired skill, as phony. Holden has risen above the normal perceptions of society, and no longer equates education or properness to value, and instead sees these things as useless devices that simply destroy one's true self. It is possible that Holden's inability to apply himself in his studies stems from this realization. Another characteristic in Holden that becomes apparent to the reader is that he has an obsession with the innocence of children. For example, when he sees "fuck you" written on the walls of Phoebe's school, he attempts to erase it. His love for children most likely stems from the fact that his transcendence has led him to be almost like a child himself. Unlike most adults he knows, who are concerned with rules, money, and order, he simply wants to let himself roam, caring not about organization. Children, like Holden, are, by nature, at peace with the world. They are unaware of the systematic behavior of society, and generally only care about freeing their bodies and their minds. Holden wants to protect them from society and its evils, but slowly learns that the task is close to futile. The graffiti on the wall is symbolic of this, when at first he attempts to erase it with his hand, but then says, "It wouldn't come off. It's hopeless, anyway...it's impossible." Later, he admits to himself that, "You can't ever find a place that's nice and peaceful, because there isn't any."

Holden's experiences make it clear that an enlightened being such as himself cannot coexist within the structured confines of society. His eagerness to leave society for a peaceful existence is evident several times throughout the novel. First, on his date with Sally, when he suddenly asks her to move with him into a quiet log-cabin-like life, . However, she immediately rejects the idea, as she is locked-in to society. Holden persists, though, and ultimately winds up upsetting her and ruining their date. This event is an example of Holden's need to free himself from society's shackles, and also demonstrates society's unwillingness to allow a member to go free. Later, after he is traumatized by possible homosexual events at Mr. Antolini's residence, he seeks refuge in the though of moving west, where, "I'd build me a log cabin somewhere...and live there for the rest of my life." Unfortunately, Holden, when confronted by Phoebe, decides not to go, because she demands to go with him. Holden cannot stand to have any reminder of society with him; because of his experiences, he's grown aware of society's many faults, and has a need to be alone.

Holden's source of enlightenment is unknown to the reader, though Salinger does give several hints into possible catalysts. The most likely cause is the death of his brother, Allie. It is clear that Allie meant a lot to each member of the family, as Holden states that his mother was taken ill shortly after his death. Holden finds comfort in thinking about his late brother, as is evident when Stradlater asks him to write a composition and Holden uses Allie's baseball glove as a topic. Obviously, Allie, though dead, plays an important role in Holden's life, and it is highly possible that Allie's death is the reason that Holden has transcended society's norms.

J.D. Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye has won acclaim from many critics, due largely in part to the complexities of its main character, Holden Caulfield. Through his interactions with society and its devices, it becomes evident that Holden is unlike any other being - he is, in fact, enlightened, as comparable to philosophers and great writers. However, he is unable to escape society's grasp, and lives in a never-ending struggle between himself, his want for a better life, and society's machinery. Salinger explains through Holden that, though it is possible even today for human beings to rise above society's mold, there is little hope for the existence of such a being, as the virus of society has infected almost all corners of the Earth.