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Examples Of Windows In Catcher In The Rye

2159 Words9 Pages

Daniel Elbaz
The Catcher in the Rye
Death and Windows
Windows are not meant to be jumped out of. Despite this seemingly obvious fact, the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye equates windows to death many times in the novel. The Catcher in the Rye written by J. D. Salinger is a novel that revolves around the life of Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy who grapples with a sense of isolation and disillusionment in a world he perceives is phony. After his expulsion from Pencey Prep, Holden embarks on a two-day journey where he explores New York City and encounters a wide range of people, who allow him to gain insight into his own mental health issues. Many times in The Catcher in the Rye, Holden mentions his desire to jump out of windows, push others …show more content…

During Holden’s visit to his family’s home, he converses with Phoebe who asks him what he likes. Holden struggles to come up with an answer and instead thinks about James Castle, a student Holden knew at his previous school Elkton Hills, tragic suicide by jumping out of a window. When first describing James Castle, Holden recalls that he was a “skinny little weak-looking guy, with wrist about as big as pencils.” (188) The fact that Holden’s first instinct was to ridicule James with insults which mock how he does not appear traditionally masculine, illustrates that Holden is deeply influenced by patriarchal values to the point where it modifies his behavior. However, Holden is amazed that James was able to embrace and stick to his personal beliefs, “instead of taking back what he said.” (188) Also, in a separate quotation, Holden describes his past teacher Mr. Antolini, who carried James Castle’s bloodied body to the infirmary. Holden really likes and venerates Mr. Antolini as a teacher, but also admires him because he “took off his coat and put it over James Castle, and carried him all the way over to the infirmary.” (192) This excerpt connects back to Holden’s lack of courage when thinking about jumping out of a window because he doesn’t want people to see him all gory. Holden understands the pressure that exists to follow societal expectations (not jumping out of a window), so hiding his body (and in doing so relieving pressure) caused Holden to admire Mr. Antolini even

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