Catcher In The Rye As A Typical Bildungsroman Novel

Want to read the rest of this paper? Join Essayworld today to view this entire essay and over 50,000 other term papers

I broke all the goddam windows with my fist, just for the hell of it.” (Salinger 39). Holden’s behaviour is also affected to the point that he is constantly depressed, as if he is upset with the world in general. Holden’s depression can be triggered from the littlest of things. Around the middle of chapter seven he finds himself lying on Ely’s bed hearing Stradlater come in late and opening the window for fresh air. He got depressed firstly from Stradlater turning off the light and not looking for him, and secondly from the lack of noise coming from the street through the window: “He didn’t even look around to see where I was at. It was even depressing out in the street. You couldn’t even hear any cars any more.” (Salinger 50). Holden often reiterates his opinions on so called “phonies” who to him are people who lack authenticity and embrace the world's demands, most of the individuals he meets end up being categorized as “phonies” to him and can cause his ...

Get instant access to over 50,000 essays. Write better papers. Get better grades. Already a member? Login

found him viewing society and individuals differently in multiple occasions; challenging his previously held beliefs and morals. One example of this would be when Holden and two nuns spark up a conversation on literature. First Holden expects to be put through another phoney conversation with a random stranger but is blown away from the nuns genuine personalities and authenticity; compared to Holden’s past experiences with adults. Afterwards while the nuns were just leaving the one said to Holden, “You’ve been more than generous, … “You’re a very sweet boy.” (Salinger 112). Holden enjoyed their company so much that as they were saying goodbye to Holden he thought to ...

Succeed in your coursework without stepping into a library. Get access to a growing library of notes, book reports, and research papers in 2 minutes or less.

CITE THIS PAGE: