Blog #40: The Catcher in the Rye

While reading The Catcher in the Rye, I had no clue why it was titled that. During the story you finally find out. Holden Caulfield is asked by his little sister Phoebe what he wants to do with his life. He answers and says that he wants to be up on a mountain in a rye field with a bunch of children playing. He wants them to have the time of their life, and if, in the course of them playing, one starts to fall over the edge, he wants to be the one to catch them. He wants to be the catcher in the rye. When I read this part of the novel, I got goose bumps. It just seems so, kind of touching. Like it is humbling a little bit to think about it. What sixteen year old boy would say that is what he wanted to do? I think it is so bizarre, and very “cool,” so to say. He is like a protector of the children of the world. It is kind of God-like. He wants to watch over the children and be there for them. I think that Holden is really thinking about his sister Phoebe when he states what he wants to do for the rest of his life. She is like his inspiration; she brings out the best in him. And I feel that he wants to be there and protect her for as long as he can. That is truly admirable. With his answer, it makes him sound so mature. He is like the “protector,” and most sixteen year olds would not be considered that. The title choice is so perfect for the novel. I think the turning point in Holden’s life is when he says this to his little sister. He really becomes a changed person, and I think that is truly admirable. The catcher in the rye is such a random thing to do, but it really makes sense for Holden. I loved the title choice once I knew what it meant.

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Back Bay, 2001. Print.