CITR Essay

J .D . Salinger 's Catcher in the Rye ' presents a problematic youth Holden , who finds it difficult to adjust himself with the people around him and make progress in his life . His innocence endears him to the readers but his open contempt for the superficial nature of people distances him from everyone who comes in touch with him . A close analysis of the narrative reveals that his inability to apply himself is the central problem that plagues his education , his relationships and his ultimate aim in his life . Holden can not take responsibility

towards himself and to his actions and fails to identify his problem which he finds in everyone else

Holden after being expelled from Pencey Prep school makes it a point to meet his elderly teacher Mr . Spencer . This conversation holds the key for understanding Holden 's character and his failures . The aged teacher feels sorry for Holden at his expulsion and he feels that it is his lack of self application that has cost him most . In the same conversation Mr Spencer asks Holden about his future . Mr . Spencer asks him , Do you feel absolutely no concern for your future , boy ' Then Holden in his own characteristic way evades a proper response . Holden says "Oh , I feel some concern for my future , all right . Sure . Sure , I do " I thought about it for a minute "But not too much , I guess . Not too much , I guess (Chapter -2 ) It is this non committal trait in his character...