The Catcher In the Rye Genuine or Phony Essay - 871 Words

J.D. Salinger published Catcher in The Rye in 1951. The main protagonist in the novel, Holden Caulfield experiences many conflicts and predicaments. It is common for Holden to hold opinions on characters throughout the book. His opinionated nature shows that human interactions mean a lot to him. Holden generally likes genuine people opposed to phony people. The comparison of genuine and phony is shown throughout the novel, especially when Holden meets new people. His true personality is shown to the reader when we see whom he respects and despises. Holden’s relationship with his own dorm room members while at Pencey Prep shows how Holden recognizes people who are genuine, while ignores or de -legitimizes people he feels†¦show more content†¦Within the 3rd chapter of Catcher in the Rye, we are introduced to Ossenburger who is a wealthy undertaker. He gave a long speech about his Christian ideals and how religion overwhelms him. â€Å"He said he talked to Jesus all the time. Even when he was driving his car. That killed me. I can just see the big phony bastard shifting into first gear and asking Jesus to send him a few more stiffs† (Salinger 16). Holden sees believing in a God all right, but the fact that it is flaunted and raved by someone who enjoys stocking up money is very hypocritical. Ossenburger discussed with Pencey Prep about how â€Å"you should talk to Jesus all the time† and â€Å"we should think of him as our buddy† (Salinger 16). Holden’s experiences in life have led him to believe divine intervention in our lives really is non-existent. His brother Allie died young and he is narrating his various adventures from a mental institution. He has no connection to the Mr. Ossenburger’s claims of the power of religion. Perceptually, he believes every claim Ossenburger says is false or phony. Ossenburger presents himself as a devout Christian by day, however by night he is embezzling himself in an undertaki ng business that is supposed to be something sacred. Someone genuine in his opinion would say that Christianity could be good, but that life can still be bad despite being a Christian. Throughout the novel Holden supports children’s endeavors because he cites their â€Å"innocence†. Holden has threeShow MoreRelated 1950s Culture Exposed in The Catcher in the Rye Essay1361 Words   |  6 Pages1950s Culture Exposed in The Catcher in the Rye    J.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye is a remarkable book that gives readers a unique and perhaps gloomy perspective of the 1950s through Holden Caulfield, a cynical and peculiar teenager. Through The Catcher in the Rye Salinger describes important aspects of the 1950s. Salinger emphasizes several key characteristics of the 50s and criticizes them through Holden. 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Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye follows anti-hero Holden Caulfield through a seemingly innocuous trip in New York City. Throughout his journey, Holden tries desperately to interact with others but often finds himself alienated; in this way, Salinger portrays him more as anRead More Catcher in the Rye Essay: Themes of Society and Growing Up1366 Words   |  6 PagesThemes of Society and Growing Up in The Catcher in the Rye      Ã‚   In reading J.D. Salingers novel, The Catcher in the Rye, one is compelled to have a very strong reaction to the contents of the book.   Whether that reaction is negative or positive, it is unquestionable that the reader will give the novel a second thought after reading it.   There could be many reasons why this novel has such an impact on the readers.   It may be the use of Salingers catchy slang phrases, bitingly sarcastic andRead MoreSalinger s The Gifts Of Imperfection1142 Words   |  5 Pagesauthenticity, or â€Å"true self†. In J.D. 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