Structural analysis and Holden Caulfield

Structural analysis

Holden Caulfield's character is, as a narrator as well as a main character, ambiguous. His narrative is disjointed, unreliable, and involves lengthy digressions that seemingly jump from one topic to the next with very few rational links. It is, however, important to remember that J.D. Salinger is an excellent author and that he has created the narrative in this way to emphasise the workings (or lack thereof) of Holden's mind. What is truly astonishing is that on a closer look at the structure of The Catcher in the Rye we can see that Salinger has, despite the outward appearance, structured the novel in an extremely logical and rational manner. By examining this, you might be able to, more coherently, pull together a novel that often seems overwhelmingly complex and erratic.

The point of any author is to express particular things about the main character. In most novels authors use other characters to highlight and emphasise characteristics of the main character. The Catcher in the Rye is no different, except for the fact that the other characters are more important than usual because the narrator is so unreliable. Holden tells us himself that he is 'The most terrific liar you ever saw in your life' (p14), he narrates from a mental institution and his commentary is erratic and overly cynical. For this reason the minor characters in The Catcher in the Rye, are a very important reference point through which the reader can better understand Holden. Focus on Mr Spencer, Maurice and Sunny, Ackley and Stradlater, Sally Hayes, Carl Luce, Phoebe and Mr Antolini.

General

The novel progresses from Holden's school life, through the harsh realities of adulthood all the way through to home life. Ackley and Stradlater represent Holden's school life, Sally Hayes and Carl Luce his life out of school, and Phoebe his relationship with innocence and purity as well as to his family. Mr Spencer and Mr Antolini are the adult figures who directly analyse Holden's character. These two have been grouped together because of these facts. Notice that Mr Spencer is the first character that Holden introduces (apart from himself, of course) and Mr Antolini is the last.

Prologue and epilogue

The epilogue and prologue are important as they set the context for the body of the novel. Always remember as you are studying The Catcher in the Rye that the novel is told from the perspective of Holden in the past tense. Always think to yourself, what is the effect of Holden writing this story from a mental institution, where he is still on the road to recovery and how does his current situation affect the reliability of his narrative?

Characters

Mr Spencer

Mr Spencer is Holden's history teacher at Pencey Prep. Mr Spencer cares deeply about the direction that Holden's life is taking and is very worried about Holden himself. The reader is introduced to Mr Spencer because he has left Holden a note asking him to come and see him before he leaves. There are a number of things to notice in amongst Holden's cynicism. Firstly, Holden respects Mr Spencer enough to honour the note and to meet him before he leaves. Secondly, Holden knows very well where his teacher lives. Thirdly, Holden and the Spencers have a cordial relationship. As he and Mrs Spencer converse on page 5, he knows where Mr Spencer's room is and Holden is also aware of their personal life, 'they each had their own room' (p6) and he knows what they like, 'they can get a big bang out of buying a blanket.'(p6)

It is then up to the reader how to take Holden's disinterest in what Mr Spencer is saying. They obviously have a close relationship and Mr Spencer respects and likes Holden enough to try to help him. A good way to look at it might be to question Holden's assumptions about Mr Spencer's motives. Holden the narrator states that 'you could tell that he felt pretty lousy about flunking me' (p11) however the astute reader can see that Mr Spencer is concerned with issues broader than failing the course. As such, Mr Spencer demonstrates Holden's lack of understanding and connection with those close to him.

Ackley and Stradlater

Ackley and Stradlater are two opposing characters in Holden's school. Ackley is unpopular, offensive in his personal hygiene and of an unpleasant disposition. Stradlater is popular, confident and athletic. The fact that these two characters are the ones Salinger has chosen for Holden to illustrate in depth is interesting. They can be seen as serving to highlight opposing sides of Holden's character. Ackley and Holden share many things in common. Ackley can be seen to be the reality. Stradlater's confidence with women is touched upon throughout the novel by Holden. For these reason Stradlater can be viewed as Holden's ideal. The dichotomy of these two characters can also be viewed as emphasising Holden's displacement

If we start by accepting that, in his description of school life through Ackley and Stradlater, Holden is caught between two extremes, this will help us to understand a possible reason for Salinger's inclusion of Ackley and Stradlater. The lack of moderation is as much a problem for Holden as his conflicting feelings about where he is and where he would like to be. This is particularly demonstrated through his overly cynical and seeming dislike of Ackley. Despite this, he invites Ackley out on Saturday night. On the other hand he desperately tries to be included by Stradlater, as he follows him to the bathroom and asks him questions, yet is excluded and pushed into doing his homework for him. The wish for inclusion by Stradlater is further emphasised by Holden's choice of topic for the homework assignment. Holden reveals on page 70 that Jane was the only other person he has told about Allie's baseball mitt, outside his family.

The ensuing fight that Holden has with Stradlater and the lack of comfort that he receives from Ackley emphasise his displacement. As a result, the responder can see that Holden does not feel as though he has a place in Pencey Prep and the use of extreme characters, indeed stereotypes, highlights his reason for looking to fit in elsewhere.

Mrs Morrow

Mrs Morrow serves two purposes. Firstly, the way Holden treats her tells the reader about Holden's state of mind. His constant lying demonstrates that he wishes to start afresh and start a new life. A particularly good example that could be used is that he lies about his name and calls himself Rudolph Schmidt, implying that he is seeking a new identity.

Secondly, Mrs Morrow is also a rare mother figure. Her concern for her son, Ernest, as being too sensitive and having trouble fitting in, shadows what the reader would assume Holden's mother might think. This perhaps indicates that Holden's problems are not unique but that he is not dealing with them particularly well.

Faith Cavendish

Rather than calling anybody he knows, Holden calls Faith. Again it is what Faith represents that makes her character have impact. She represents sexual freedom and adulthood. The fact that Holden calls her demonstrates again that he is seeking a new identity.

Bernice, Marty and Laverne

Holden's first attempts at reaching out to the adult world occur in the Lavender Bar where he attempts, unsuccessfully, to sweet talk these three ladies. They tell him that he is too young and leave him with their bar tab. They are only interested in movie stars and as such are not really suitable acquaintances for Holden. Despite his distaste for the 'three witches' he perseveres until the bar closes and even buys their drinks for them.

Lillian Simmons

Lillian is one of D.B.'s ex-girlfriends. She invites Holden to have a drink with her but Holden seems to want to rid himself of his past. Holden also seems intimidated by her Navy boyfriend and he is unsure how to act around the confident and showy people in Ernie's.