Dialectical Journal For The Catcher In The Rye

Words: 204
Pages: 1

Of the entire novel, these six chapters are the most telling and symbolic. Holden’s past traumas are unveiled, and simple events are much deeper than they seem. We finally understood the title. Holden wants to be “The Catcher in the Rye.” He wants to stand on the edge of a cliff, overlooking the rye field where the children play. The children don’t look where they’re going, and Holden will catch them before they fall. This symbolizes Holden’s desire to preserve childhood innocence. The children are about to fall off the cliff, going into adulthood. Holden saves them and keeps them pure and faultless, unlike adults. Holden’s encounter with the “Fuck you” writings are also revealing. He tries to get rid of all of them, but then realizes he can’t.