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Igby Goes Down Analysis

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From reading The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger and the movie Igby Goes Down, we can conclude that both Igby Slocumb or Holden Caulfield are both troubled teens who have trouble fitting in society. However, I believe that Holden Caulfield would more likely apply himself to society and become a functioning member of society, compared to Igby Slocumb. Holden Caulfield is capable of behaving and has self control to some level, but he chooses not to. He knows right from wrong. For example, when Holden sees derogatory language in Phoebe's school, he immediately responds with a sense of protection and defense. “ I saw another "F**k you" on the wall. I tried to rub it off with my hand again, but this one was scratched on, with a knife or something. It wouldn't come off. It's hopeless, anyway. “ Holden cares about his sister, Phoebe, and other students that would see that message. He also respects girls even if they are deemed “phony”. He says that you only become intimate with those you truly …show more content…

Spencer and Mr. Antolini. Spencer reminds him that life isn’t a game and that it’s time to start thinking about what you are going to do with your life. Mr. Antolini warned Holden of a long and hard fall ahead of him. “he said, "you're going to have to find out where you want to go. And then you've got to start going there. But immediately. You can't afford to lose a minute. Not you." Holden discovers his purpose throughout the journey of the book. In contrast, Igby has no role models or mentors to assist him in his life. He continuously gets into trouble and just flows with it. He is provided with chances to get back on track, but refuses. Igby’s mother enrolls him in St. Anthony School in the fall, but Igby refuses and instead goes on a journey of his own. He has a second chance to go to school in the spring, but continues to refuse. Igby even gets to the point of drug dealing as a

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Unlike his peers who may strive to become teachers or doctors, Holden describes a path in which in reality he can never pursue. In fact, his whole scheme for his future is based on a misinterpretation of a popular song. He does not understand the process of growth and

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Was Holden successful in his Journey This is an essay on whether or not Holden Caulfield is successful on his journey throughout the novel “The Catcher in the Rye” by Jerome David Salinger. This book shows how hard it can be for teenagers that are going from an adolescent to adulthood. Holden, who is sixteen years old, has been kicked out of several schools. Pencey Prep. was the latest.

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Holden says that all he want to do is be the catcher in the rye protecting children from falling. The whole novel Holden makes observation around him that are taking away from children's innocence. This is what upsets him the most the fact that everyone will eventually have to grow up. While he is trying to go get Phoebe he is reminded this in the following quote. “I went down by a different staircase, and I saw another "Fuck you" on the wall.

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As he says to Mr. Spencer, he feels trapped on “the other side” of life, and he continually attempts to find his way in a world in which he feels he doesn’t belong. Youth The Catcher in the Rye is a bildungsroman, a novel about a young character’s growth into maturity. While it is appropriate to discuss the novel in such terms, Holden Caulfield is an unusual protagonist for a bildungsroman because his central goal is to resist the process of maturity itself. But he refuses to acknowledge this fear, expressing it only in a few instances—for example, when he talks about sex and admits

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In the novel “The Catcher in the Rye”, the protagonist Holden Caulfield demonstrates his unusual behaviour. The narrator introduces the story of an emotionally damaged teenager whose suspicions and personal issues prevent him from being “normal” in a society full of phonies that he does not seem to get along with. It becomes clear that Holden has clouded judgement as he rides an emotional rollercoaster of mood swings with the people he likes, and dislikes. Therefore, it becomes obvious that some of his personal flaws include his distrust, depression, and unreasonable attitudes and thoughts are based on his underlying emotional problems. Holden Caulfield has a variety psychological problems, such as his skepticism, depressive behaviour, and

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Salinger then uses the simile, “then we shook hands. And all that crap. It made me feel sad as hell, though” which shows how Holden did not want to leave. This suggests that Holden feels the sense of belonging when he is with Mr and Mrs Spencer and the thought of leaving them made him sad. Hence, showing the viewers how Mr and Mrs Spencer give Holden a sense of peace and comfort.

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While visiting Phoebe’s school, he notices profanity written on the wall. Trying to remove them, he comes to the realization that “If you had a million years to do it in, you couldn't rub out even half the “f**k you” signs in the world. It's impossible” (Salinger 202). Holden knows a child’s innocence is gone when exposed to such obscenities. He finally accepts that he is not capable of preventing the corruption of others.

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The criticism Mr. Ackley gives Holden makes him realize his problems that he has caused himself such as alienating himself which made him lonely. When Holden falls asleep and Mr. Ackley kisses Holden on the forehead, Holden is quick to judge and accuses Mr. Ackley of being gay. He realizes that he has hurt Mr. Ackley’s feelings and begins to question actions of making quick judgements on people. He soon begins to change his ways and accept that people have feelings. Igby, on the other hand has no one who is willing to help him grow and change into a better person.

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The only motivator that Holden has to continue living is his younger sister, Phoebe, who is extraordinarily intelligent for her age. After he gets kicked out of Pencey, Holden is lost in life. He speaks to many people, seeking advice and comfort, but they are not able to help him find a human connection. Holden’s depression increases throughout the novel, almost to the point of suicide. He criticizes many people and ideas, labeling them as ‘phony’.

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Throughout the course of the novel, Holden is constantly attempting to find somebody who is willing to both listen and

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Holden struggles with growing up and facing reality. There are many examples of Holden’s immaturity that are displayed in many forms such as facing responsibilities, his speech, his actions, and etc. Holden’s outlook on adult life is that it is superficial and brimming with phonies, but childhood was all about looking pleasing and innocent. He wants everything to stay the same and for time to stop. As Holden progresses in age, he will discover more about becoming mature in the

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Holden’s Struggle To Find Himself: Throughout the novel, The Catcher In The Rye, by J.D. Salinger, Holden struggles to find himself and who he truly is in order to be happy. His struggles relate to many things that he does or say in particular. Holden lacks with a social status with women and his family, whether it’s a relationship or being antisocial. Throughout The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield experiences the complexities and struggles involved with both physical and emotional relationships.

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Although Holden is a very intelligent character he finds the hypocrisy and ugliness in the world around him and quickly associates it with the adult world. Holden is a very introverted character who hesitates throughout the book to share information about his life . J.D Salinger makes sure to portray Holden that way to

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When Holden goes for the night to Mr. Antolini 's house, Mr. Antolini says, "Among other things, you 'll find that you 're not the first person who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior"

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In this novel, Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield is the narrator that goes through a variety of problems. He has dilemmas, but meets/reconnects with people on his quest of life. This novel is more than just a simple story about a protagonist and his life events. This novel follows the structure of bildungsroman. There are four parts to it- character’s growth in social structure, a form of loss, process of maturity, and if the character ends in a new place of society.

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