What Is The Diction Of The Catcher In The Rye

The Catcher in the Rye, like many other great works, was met by scornful criticism and unyielding admiration. However, many literary critics also marveled at Salinger's use of language, which was used to make Holden Caulfield, the main character, extremely realistic. Salinger's diction and choice of narrative technique are imperative to bring Holden Caulfield to life.

Stream of consciousness is a narrative device in which the author tries to mimic the natural thought processes through writing. Each thought, feeling and emotion flows freely through the mind like a stream. The use of stream of consciousness narrative style is vital in getting to know Holden. Not only does this style allow us to know how Holden is externally reacting to situations, we also get insight into his internal monologue. We can simultaneously learn about Holden's feelings at the time of the event as well as insight into his past.The reader's first

introduction to this style is on the very first chapter of Catcher in the Rye. Holden jumps from idea to idea when he talks about his parents who are "touchy as hell," his brother who is in Hollywood "being a prostitute," his school football game, the girls at the football game, flunking out at Pency, Mr. Spencer, and some kid who farted in chapel. This technique imitates the natural thought processes of people, and certainly mimics the thought process of a messed-up kid like Holden.

The language used in The Catcher in the Rye has long been a topic of controversy in the literary critic's realm. Holden Caulfield's thoughts and comments serve to deepen his personality and to provide entertainment. Salinger wanted to create a typical teenager while keeping Holden as an individual at the same time. Like most teenagers, Holden often uses colloquialisms and hyperbole to express himself. Holden's speech can be rather vulgar and obscene. However, whenever he says words like "ass," it is simply teenage dialect. He does not say it to be distasteful. "Ass" is simply another word that Holden uses to better express his ideas. He can mean cold by saying "freezing my ass off," or incompetence by saying, "in a half-assed way," or even disbelief by saying, "Game, my ass." In keeping with normal teenage dialect, Holden constantly uses hyperbole to express himself. A Holden favorite is using "a million" to exaggerate the a large number. He describes his funeral, "I started picturing millions of jerks coming to my funeral and all" and when describing his hair, "The one side of my head--the right side--is full of millions of gray hairs." (((((((((()))))))))))))))))))(((((((((())))

Holden has other expressions that appear consistently throughout the novel. In some places, the expressions only serve to make Holden more realistic, while in other places Holden is trying to reinforce his values. Holden repeatedly comments on his hatred towards phonies. This could be the reason why he frequently confirms a statement with "I really do," "It really does," or "if you want to know the truth." He also authenticates remarks by reiterating them. For example, Holden says, "She likes me a lot. I mean she's quite fond of me." (Salinger 141) and, "He was a very nervous guy- I mean a very nervous guy." (Salinger 165). Holden attempts to solidify comments by reminding the reader that what he says really is the truth, even though it becomes clear early on that Holden is an unreliable narrator.

After certain laughable events, or after a show of innocence, Holden would often say, "that killed me." This further proves that Holden appreciates innocence, and that he is able to see humor in society.

Holden's lack of vocabulary shows how young and uneducated he really is. At one point, Holden even admits this lacking when he says, "'Boy!' I said. I also say 'Boy!' quite a lot. Partly because I have a lousy vocabulary and partly because I act quite young for my age sometimes." (Salinger 12).

This offers additional insight into his character, and does so often through the use of a single word. It also shows that Holden's vocabulary is somewhat inadequate, as observed in a person much younger than himself. Holden's regular use of cursing reveals not only the depth of his emotion, but indicates to the reader the fact that he is caught in the stage where childhood and approaching maturity collide. In vain, Holden tries to bridge the gap between adolescence and adulthood with the use of

blasphemies.

Even though there were some critics who thought The Catcher in the Rye should be banned because of its language, it still became the greatest novel of the post World War II era. J. D. Salinger's virtuoso use of language throughout the novel made Holden Caulfield human. Due to the precise representation of a teenage boy, the reader is able to become intimate with Holden's peculiarities, therefore making him seem more credible. By making Holden come to life through repetition of dialogue and thought, Salinger was able to create one of the most unforgettable characters.