Catcher In The Rye Compare And Contrast Essay On Holden Caulfield

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Throughout the novel The Catcher In The Rye written by J.D. Salinger. Holden Caulfield talks about familiar and unfamiliar characters who both alter his life throughout his teenage journey. The two most influential people are Allie Caulfield and Phoebe Caulfield but their effects differentiate. Holden Caulfield’s brother, Allie, is a negative impact on Holden's life, the death of Allie drives Holden on a downward spiral of depression and anger. An example of this includes when Caulfield is talking to his teacher, "You mean about my flunking out of Pencey and all?"( Salinger.12). Holden has been sent away because his parents lack an understanding of how to handle his depression caused by Allies death. Holden no longer feels the importance of …show more content…

When Holden comes home for the first time in months him and Phoebe sits Holden down and says "you don't like anything that's happening... You don't like any school.You don't like any million thing. You don't,"(Salinger.169). Phoebe is tired of Holden complaining about is life and how it is so miserable. Phoebe directs her full attention to the problem hoping it will bring perspective to hold in and show him how bad is over exaggerated behavior is. Also it shows that Phoebe, an unlikely listener, actually go out of her way to help her brother. Near the end of the book, Holden tries to get Phoebe to go back to school so she can't join him in leaving. Phoebe says, "I said I'm not going back to school. You can do what you want to do, but I'm not going back to school. So shut up"(Salinger.208). Phoebe saying "shut up" shows how she hurt Holden psychologically , but it proves to Holden that someone actually cares about him and his well-being. Holden feels the need to address his inconsiderate and reckless actions, because if he doesn't, they are not only going to affect him, but the people he cares about around him. Allie and Phoebe both affect Holden Caulfield's life. Allie completely destroys his brother’s life, leaving him emotionally damaged. Phoebe brings her brother up from his depression and puts meaning back into Holden’s

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