Theme Of Fear In Catcher In The Rye

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Fear and Foresight: An Uncertain Tomorrow

The concept of adversity brings with it a sense of formidability and opportunity for growth. But with every adversity comes change and change harbors a sense of fear. Fear of change is quite distinct from a fear of insects or nose picking toddlers. The individual trapped in this predicament of angst begins to foresee few outcomes that are favourable and more that are doomed and. Thus, the judgement of the individual making the life-altering decision is hindered. This fear is born when foresight no longer comforts, when a tomorrow is no longer certain.

J.D Salinger exceptionally explores the interdependence and omnipresence of the two forces,: fear and foresight, through the novel, Catcher in the …show more content…

Holden is misguided to the point where he is unable to comprehend the true meaning of the most important overarching symbol in the book, the catcher in the rye. Irony at its finest, Holden mistakes the words in the song much as he mistakes the cause of his torment - it comes from himself not from those around him. Holden thinks the words are “‘if a body catch a body comin’ through the rye’ ” The actual line has ‘meet’ in the stead of ‘catch’ and is a justification for casual sex. This is the furthest concept from what Holden is pursuing. Holden’s misunderstanding it only reasserts how his perfect utopian world where children are caged in and restrained in a world that does not reflect reality and or not allowed to grow is essentially …show more content…

Holden’s obsession with removing the profanity is notable, for it shows his distaste for anything that may corrupt the innocence of the children. Holden wishes to shelter children from adult experiences, revealing his fear of maturity and further establishing his dream of being the catcher in the rye. He sees more profane language marked on the wall of the school in marker and scratched in, asserting how his cause is ‘hopeless anyway... impossible’ (222). The museum a place that is supposed to be frozen in time also has a ‘F*** you’ written in crayon. The museum represents the world Holden wishes to live in: it’s a world of his catcher in the rye fantasy, a world where nothing changes. Holden is still avoiding his fear and as he visits the museum it confronts him

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