Essay Fear of Failure in The Catcher In The Rye - 773 Words

Fear of Failure in The Catcher In The Rye Holden Caulfield, the main character in J.D. Salingers novel, The Catcher In The Rye, feels that he needs to protect people around him, because he failed to protect his brother Allie from death. Holden feels that he has to care for those close to him. He watches over Jane, Phoebe, and even Mrs. Murrow when he meets her on the train. Holden tries to shield these people from distress. He does not want to fail anyone else. Returning back home from getting kicked out of Pencey, Holden meets the mother of Ernest Murrow, a classmate of his, on the train. They introduce themselves and start talking about Ernest and how he is like in school. Holden did not tell Mrs. Murrow†¦show more content†¦Murrow to be proud of her son: You take somebodys mother, all they want to hear about is what a hot-shot their son is. (56) No one tells Mrs. Caulfield how wonderful Holden is; all they tell her is what trouble he has gotten into. Holdens childhood friend, Jane Gallagher, also needs protection. She is vulnerable because of her childhood. ` Her mother and father were divorced. Her mother was married again to some boozehound... [He would] run around the goddamn house, naked, with Jane around and all. (32) Holden was afraid that Janes stepfather abused her. I asked her on the way, if Mr. Cudahy- that was the boozehounds name- had ever tried to get wise with her. (79) Even though Holden likes Jane, he does not try to take advantage of her because she needs the safety of their friendship. Holden is angry with Stradlater because he threatened Jane, and could have harmed her. Holdens younger sister Phoebe, is also in need of Holdens protection. He must protect her because he failed to protect his brother Allie from death. Holden feels that it is his responsibility to protect Phoebe from whatever may put her in danger, even himself: I was glad. All of a sudden I wanted her to cry till her eyes practically dropped out. I almost hated her. I think I hated her most because she wouldnt be in that play any more if she went away with me. (207) He does not want Phoebe to turn out like himself. He wantsShow MoreRelatedHolden Caulfield and the Pressures of Society: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger1286 Words   |  6 Pagesnovel to life. In the bildungsroman, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, characterization is often found, especially regarding the protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Salinger also includes many themes in his novel relating to growing up in a corrupt society. Hence, this paper will compare, contrast, and evaluate literary critici sms regarding the themes and characterization of J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye. Many critics of The Catcher in the Rye discuss in depth the characterizationRead MoreJ.b. Salinger s A Perfect Day For Bananafish 1714 Words   |  7 PagesBuddhism, Hindu-Buddhism, and other Eastern beliefs. 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As an emotional, intelligent, and sensitive young man, Holden puts his innerRead MoreText Response: the Catcher in the Rye1379 Words   |  6 PagesText Response: The Catcher in the Rye The novel, The Catcher in he Rye, written by J.D. Salinger was set in the late 1940 - early 1950s in New York. This novel explores the themes of loneliness, relationships and deception though the use of literary devices. Many symbols are used to enhance our understanding of the novel; such as Holden Caulfield s red hunting hat, the museum of Natural History, the ducks in Central Park Lagoon and the carousel. The author gives us an insight into the life of