Holden Caulfield Analysis

Character Analysis of Holden Caulfield

Holden Caulfield is one of the most popular protagonists in classic novels . Readers have identified with the complexities of his character even his self-destructing patterns . He is a bruiting teenager , sarcastic and cynical about life in general , and he stews frequently in his discontent . Readers emulate his character and become enraptured by his way of life - his independence as well as his wry sense of humor

Holden comes from a very affluent background he has been surrounded by middle-class wealth and privilege all his life . He has

everything a child could ever want , including two parents who like each other and their children unfortunately , of these things are enough to stave off death and the changes which an inexplicable illness in a young person are sure to bring . Someone once said that the death of a child is like an explosion within a family those who are left standing are never the same again . This is certainly the case with our main character , Holden Caulfield himself

After his brother 's death , Holden 's view of the world is bleak he believes everyone is inherently evil and dishonest . His whole goal in life is to survive and to change the ways of the world in to keep his little sister , Phoebe , and other children like her from ever having to be exposed to the world of evil . When asked what he would like to be one day , Holden answers `a catcher in the rye .this is based on a fantasy he has that he is watching a group of children play near a cliff and he must be the one to save them if they wander too close to the edge and are in danger of falling . The sadness of Holden 's wish , of course , is the unspoken realization that he wants to save the children because he was unable to save his own brother , Ally . Another sad and sober realization is that a part of Holden also understands that he is unable to save himself

The dichotomy of Holden 's character , however , is his interest and involvement in mankind . Throughout the book , he is interested in people , in his family , in the ducks in Central Park , in everything and it is this latter characteristic which makes him one of the most beloved and unforgettable characters in the history of literature . He is funny and genuinely wants never to hurt another person 's feelings one of the opening chapters in the book where he interacts with Mr . Spencer shows this clearly . Holden is kind to the old professor and tells him goodbye when he is about to leave Pencey Prep

Probably never in the history of novels has there been a situation in a book where so much of the protagonist 's character is influenced by another character whom the reader never meets . Holden 's entire life changed when his brother , Ally , died of leukemia it was the turning point in his life and...