What is the main conflict in the Catcher in the Rye?

Major ConflictThe major conflict is within Holden’s psyche. Part of him wants to connect with other people on an adult level (and, more specifically, to have a sexual encounter), while part of him wants to reject the adult world as “phony,” and to retreat into his own memories of childhood.

What are the themes of Catcher in the Rye?

Themes in Catcher in the Rye

• Self-alienating for the purpose of self-protection.
• Growing pains and loss of innocence.
• Adulthood is “Phony”
• Inability to take action.
• Maintaining appearances and performing happiness.

What was the climax of Catcher in the Rye?

The climax of the story comes when Holden visits Phoebe, who becomes angry that Holden has been expelled from another school and confronts him about why he doesn’t like anything. Holden says he likes his brother, Allie, but Phoebe points out that Allie is dead.

What is Holden disillusioned with?

Holden is reluctant to abandon innocence although he claims to possess the maturity and independence of an adult. He attempts to rub out profanities on a school wall; however, towards the novel’s conclusion, he recognizes the futility of his actions, saying that you can never rub out all the vulgar signs in the world.

Why is Holden obsessed with phoniness?

Holden characterizes “phonies” as people who are dishonest or fake about who they really are, or people who play a part just to fit into a society that Holden questions. Therefore, Holden hates “phonies” because they represent everything he fears or fights against, such as adulthood, conformity, and commercialism.

Why is Holden obsessed with innocence?

The gold ring symbolizes adulthood, which Holden didn’t do anything to stop the children from reaching it. In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, Holden is obsessed in preserving his innocence. He wanted to preserve his innocence to feel the love from his parents that he has been longing for so long.

Why does Holden cry at the end of Chapter 23?

After the mother leaves, Phoebe loans Holden her Christmas money, which makes Holden cry. He gives her his treasured red hunting cap and exits down the building’s back stairs. This chapter is primarily a transitional one, serving to wrap up the visit and get Holden out of the apartment.

Why is Holden disillusioned?

The origins of Holden’s disillusionment revolved mainly around the death of his younger brother Allie three years ago, of which he still experiences the trauma to this day.

What does the title The Catcher in the Rye mean?

The title of The Catcher in the Rye is a reference to “Comin’ Thro the Rye,” a Robert Burns poem and a symbol for the main character’s longing to preserve the innocence of childhood. “If a body catch a body coming through the rye.” …

What do the Ducks symbolize in The Catcher in the Rye?

Holden’s focus on the Central Park Lagoon ducks symbolizes his youthful side as well as his true desire to discover how the ducks survive the harsh winter environment, hoping he can apply their secret to his own struggles.

What does If a body catch a body coming through the rye mean?

Although he thinks that the song (which is based on a poem by the 18th-century poet Robert Burns) goes, “If a body catch a body coming through the rye,” it actually reads, “If a body meet a body coming through the rye.” To that end, the lyrics are ironically about promiscuous sexual encounters, as Burns is writing …