Holden Caulfield Illusions

J.D Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye explores the trauma and illusions of the novel’s protagonist, Holden Caulfield. The title, although mentioned on several occasions throughout the book, is truly not yet revealed until the end; where Holden reveals to Phoebe that the poem by Robert Burns is one of the few things in his life which bring him the mere illusion of bliss. Holden reveals that he himself wishes he himself was the catcher in the rye; catching children near the edge of the cliff. The poem is a major symbol of Holden’s desire to preserve innocence and purity and serves as a reflection of the essence of his own fear of change.

The significance of the title is first seen on page (128) while Holden walks through Broadway, subtly admiring a child singing “if a body catch a body coming through the rye”. Holden admires the child's singing, claiming, “It made me feel better. It made me feel not so depressed anymore.” The song serves to reflect Holden’s own worries and angst in his life; providing him with the illusion that he has the ability to save others from the edge of the cliff (a symbol of change, growth, and trauma). Holden’s misinterpretation of the poem allows him to find relief in the semblance which Holden

Nearing the end of the novel, while Holden cherishes his moment of bliss with Phoebe as she rides the carousel; it is clear that the carousel is symbolic of Holden’s own life, never-ending ride, and an allusion to Holden’s unattainable desire for everything in his life to remain the same. Holden’s incapability to save his own brother from a death which no one could truly prevent, traumatized Holden leading him to feel inclined to rescue those he could from the miseries of the world; as the “catcher in the