In J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye, the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, has significant interactions with numerous individuals, particularly members of his immediate family. These interactions unveil Holden’s philosophy towards each family member and prompt contemplation on the validity of his perspectives. Throughout the novel, Holden utilizes the term “phony” a total of forty-four times (Corbett 68-73), employing it to denote individuals who discriminate against others, exhibit hypocrisy, or conform to societal norms (Corbett 71). Holden’s descriptions and exchanges with his family offer insight into his perception of their authenticity. By examining these accounts, it becomes evident how Holden categorizes each family member.
From the very beginning of the novel, Holden characterizes his parents as distant and frequently generalizes both his father and mother throughout his story. One instance of this is when he states, “my parents would have about two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything
According to Salinger (172), I expressed my opinion about lawyers, stating that while they may be acceptable, it doesn’t interest me. I believe that lawyers are only truly commendable if they dedicate themselves to saving innocent lives. However, being a lawyer doesn’t involve such noble actions. Instead, it primarily revolves around making money, indulging in recreational activities like golf and bridge, purchasing cars, consuming Martinis, and projecting an image of success. This raises the question of how one would differentiate between being genuine or being a fraud. The answer is unclear.
Holden consistently portrays his mother with a blend of empathy and mockery. He depicts her as predictable and insincere, exemplified by two instances when Holden eavesdrops on her interaction with Phoebe. As his mom enters D.B.’s room to tuck in Phoebe, he hears Phoebe greet her with, “Hello! I couldn’t sleep. Did you have a good time?” In response, his mother replies, “Marvelous,” but it is evident that she is not being genuine. It is clear that she doesn’t derive much enjoyment from going out.
My mother said, ‘Good night. Go to sleep now. I have a splitting headache.’ She frequently gets headaches. She really does (Salinger 177-178).
The first two instances are excellent examples of how Holden considers people as phonies. However, when it comes to Holden’s older brother, D.B., further analysis is required to understand Holden’s true emotions towards his brother. Holden seems to have some respect for his older brother but cannot tolerate the false image that D.B.’s career choice as a screen-play writer brings. An illustration of this respect is seen when D.B. takes Holden and Phoebe to watch Hamlet: “He treated us to lunch first, and then he took us. He’d already seen it, and the way he talked about it at lunch, I was anxious as hell to see it, too” (Salinger 117). According to Holden, all movies and shows are false representations of reality that are ridiculously exaggerated. Consequently, because his brother takes part in these distorted versions of realism, Holden considers him a “phony.” He currently resides in Hollywood, which is not far from this lousy place, and he visits me almost every weekend now. He has a lot of money now, although he didn’t before. Previously, he was just an ordinary writer when he was at home (Salinger 1). Now he’s in Hollywood, D.B., acting like a prostitute. If there’s one thing I detest, it’s movies. Don’t even bring them up to me (Salinger 2).
The interaction between Holden and his sister Phoebe, as well as the lingering impact of Allie’s death, serve as direct illustrations of the influence sibling relationships can have (Crispell 1). Sibling relationships often endure for the longest duration in a person’s life. This, combined with Allie and Phoebe’s youth and innocence, likely explains why Holden regards his younger siblings as the only wholesome members of his family. Whenever Holden experiences bouts of depression, which occurs frequently, he often seeks solace and support from his younger siblings. Although physical comfort from Allie is no longer possible, simply thinking of him brings some solace to Holden. Such ideas are demonstrated repeatedly throughout the novel. For instance, upon checking into a hotel and starting to feel down, Holden contemplates calling Phoebe late at night but ultimately chooses not to do so. He admits, “But I certainly wouldn’t have minded shooting the old crap with Phoebe for a while” (Salinger 67). Holden’s thoughts of Allie are evident in his act of writing Stradlater’s composition on “Old Allie’s baseball mitt” (Salinger 38-39). Another example of Holden’s close bond with his younger siblings emerges when he discusses his preferences with Phoebe.
Salinger’s character responds to the challenge of not being able to think of one thing by confidently proclaiming that they can. When prompted to prove it, they express their fondness for Allie and the enjoyment they are currently experiencing – sitting, talking, and contemplating various matters (Salinger 171).
From Holden’s perspective, it is evident that he considers the older members of his family as phony while regarding the younger ones as symbols of truth and innocence. However, fully understanding Holden’s true thoughts and feelings towards each family member may be an impossible task. Holden serves as the narrator in Salinger’s novel, making it questionable how reliable or factual his version of events is. Corbett presents the notion that Holden himself is a phony, constantly lying and pretending to be someone he is not. Despite criticizing the flaws of others, Holden himself is guilty of those same flaws. Additionally, he often expresses anger towards his friends, contradicting his supposed belief in the importance of compassion.
If Holden is dishonest and insincere, it is possible that his depiction of each family member is completely inaccurate. Nonetheless, his constant and repetitive narratives provide some insight into how a teenage boy perceives each member of his family as they navigate the universal trials and tribulations of everyday life.
Works CitedCorbett, Edward P.J. “Raise High the Barriers, Censors.” America, theNational Catholic Weekly Review 7 Jan. 1961. Rpt. in If You Really Wantto Know: A “Catcher” Casebook. Ed. Malcolm M. Marsden. Chicago: Scott,Foresman, 1963. 68-73.
Crispell, Diane. “The Sibling Syndrome.” American Demographics. Aug.
1996. Online. 7 Oct. 1996. Available http://www.marketingtools.com/Publications/AD/96_AD/9608_AD/9608AF01.htm Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 1991.
