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

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