In many famous novels, characters arrive at an epiphany, or important realization for the character. Looking at the two novels, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, and To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, it is clearly shown how two very different protagonists can reach an epiphany. These realizations help other characters as well see things differently than before. In the novel To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee, Scout is taught many times throughout the book by events happening around her. These lessons help her reach multiple epiphanies. Her father Atticus goes against the majority of the town by showing his children the true meaning of humbleness and bravery. Scout and Jem use this as they comprehend the conflict happening around them. An example of the leadership shown by Atticus is when he says, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view . . . until you climb into his skin and walk around in it” (Lee). This statement helps Scouts innocent mind realize all the prejudices happening around her, in which she reaches an epiphany. …show more content…
Salinger, depicts a troubled-boy trying to find his way through hardships. Holden seems hopeless for most of his journey but he has a few people along the way that help him reach his big, possibly life-saving epiphany. Holden realizes that everyone grows up and will fall sometimes, but it's inevitable, and Holden has to stop fighting it. Both the golden ring and his sister, Phoebe, help him come to this realization that childhood is temporary, and adulthood may not be a ‘crazy cliff’ as referenced earlier in the book (Salinger). Salinger arranges this book so that the epiphany is not only enlightening to Holden but also Phoebe, who sees Holden as a role
Throughout the novel, Atticus’ assistance to Jem and Scout’s development becomes evident. Atticus takes every opportunity to attempt to teach his children the importance of having an open-mind. For instance, when Scout queries Atticus about Maycomb’s prejudice perspective, he tells her, “You never really understand a person until…you climb in their skin and walk around in it.” (Lee 30) Even during the early stages of the novel, it is apparent that Atticus endeavors to instill the values of empathy and tolerance within Jem and Scout by teaching them how to have multiple perspectives on a situation. In addition, Atticus also attempts to enlighten his children about peaceful resolution in society. For example, when Atticus is chosen to defend Tom Robinson, Atticus tells Scout, you might hear some ugly talk about it at school but…you just hold your head high and keep those fists down.”...
Atticus is a major influence on Scout’s identity. He tells Scout, “You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view” (33). Atticus’s counsel teaches Scout to never judge someone until she is aware of their reasoning. This guidance helps Scout to interact with the people around her. One example of when she used Atticus’s advice is against the lynch mob. She convinces Mr. Cunningham to leave by talking to him about what he cared about. This interaction shows how an individual’s connection to family members affects his judgement and, therefore, his character. In addition, Atticus expands on this advice later in the novel, stating, “The one thing that...
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger is an enthralling and captivating novel about a boy and his struggle with life. The teenage boy ,Holden, is in turmoil with school, loneliness, and finding his place in the world. The author J.D. Salinger examines the many sides of behavior and moral dilemma of many characters throughout the novel. The author develops three distinct character types for Holden the confused and struggling teenage boy, Ackley, a peculiar boy without many friends, and Phoebe, a funny and kindhearted young girl.
This essay outlines how J.D. Salinger creates a unique person in Holden Caulfield as he strives to find his place in the world as he moves from childhood to adulthood.. Holden narrates this story from the first person in flashback recounting events that happened to him over a two day span the previous year around Christmas. He narrates this story from some sort of mental hospital or institution. This is a clue as to how this journey affected him. This essay discusses how Holden views himself as he is growing up, affected by interaction with other characters, and how he is affected by loss of innocence moving from childhood to adulthood.
In Suzanne Collins’ The Hunger Games, Katniss Everdeen volunteers to compete in the Hunger Games, a youth survival competition, ultimately winning the competition with help along the way. Separately, in J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher In The Rye, Holden Caulfield’s decisions in school lead to his expulsion. Upon leaving school, he begins a journey of self-discovery. Both characters face tests and trials which cause them to discover their inner strengths. Katniss and Holden exemplify the Hero’s Quest by answering their calls to adventure, meeting their mentors, and fulfilling their respective quests.
In the novel “Catcher in the Rye” the reader is able to better understand Holden by the characters in his remembrances. Mr. Antolini, a person who shows affection for Holden, shows the reader that Holden makes quick assumptions and judgments with characters in the novel. Phoebe, Holden’s younger sister, makes it evident to the reader that Holden does not want to grow up, mature, and have a future as an adult. Jane Gallagher’s character also helps the reader better understand Holden by making it evident that he does not want to let go of his childhood innocence. Although Holden’s character is the main focus of the novel, his remembrances of other key characters help define him and give the reader a better understanding of who he is.
Scout first learns to show compassion and tolerance by refusing to go to school because she hates Miss Caroline. Atticus tells her that, 'First of all, if you can learn a simple trick, Scout, you'll get along better with all kinds of folks. You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view – until you climb into his skin and walk around in it'; (30). When Atticus told her this, she began to accept Miss Caroline as well as other people's differences and opinions.
For this essay, I would like to write about the book “Catcher in the Rye” by J.D Salinger. The main protagonist in the novel is Holden Caulfield, who is trying to mature and grow up in a world full of phonies. The novel mainly talks about Holden and how he tackles the difficulties of growing up, also problems regarding his transition from childhood to adulthood. Moving on from childhood to adulthood is the main focus of the novel. At a point of the book, situations help out Holden to change his lifestyle from being an irresponsible person to being really mature and independent.
When kids reach their puberty they go through many changes establishing their personalities and adapting to their environments. During puberty, it could be confusing, filled with contradicting feelings, for kids. The movie Pleasantville written and directed by Gary Ross and the book Catcher in the Rye written by J.D. Salinger address those very issues. The movie and the book have many of similarities and differences. Some of the similarities are: both protagonists are idealistic teenage boys who do not fit into their environment, they both fantasize about the girls they like but didn't have the courage to act on their feelings; throughout the storylines, they both try to protect the innocents. However, they differed in their attitude toward
Throughout the history of literature, a great deal of authors has tried to reveal a clear understanding of the American Dream. Whether it is possible to achieve lies all in the character the author portrays. The Great Gatsby and The Catcher in the Rye stand as prime examples of this. F. Scott Fitzgerald and J.D. Salinger, the authors of these titles, respectively, fashion flawed characters, Jay Gatsby and Holden Caulfield, with one vital desire: the longing to gain what they can’t have; acceptance and the feeling of belonging. Each retaining characteristics that shows their differences and similarities in opinion of the world around them.
In the novel, To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee, the author, wrote about the journey of a little girl, named Scout, as she grows up. Scout’s father Atticus serves as a grand part of her aging because he teaches her many life lessons. The most significant of all the lessons and a pivotal moment in the novel occurs when Atticus tells Scout that “you never really a man until you stand in his shoes and walk around in them,”, which contributes to one of Scout’s intellectual changes and the theme, understanding requires time (Lee 372).
Being ostracized from society and attempting to fit in again is not uncommon. Many people have this happen to them in their teen years. However, already being accepted into society, only to ostracize oneself is something completely different. This is the difference between Holden Caulfield, from “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger, and Chris McCandless, the american Hiker who traveled western U.S., and was immortalized in the movie “Into the Wild.” Both characters, along the path to their goals, encounter figures who act in a multitude of ways, encouraging, harming, or just talking to the protagonists. The lives and adventures of both characters are greatly affected by their families and those who they meet on their journey towards identity
The plot in both the novel and article are similar to one another as the protagonists resemble their actions and want to begin life as adults. This occurs in the exposition stage of plot in both works. In The Catcher in the Rye, the book shows Holden and his struggle to live in both the past and future. Holden wants to be treated as an adult and wants to do adult activities however, Holden cannot overcome himself, “I ordered a Scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it—I said it fast as hell, because if you hem and haw, they think you're under twenty-one and won't sell you any intoxicating liquor” (Salinger 38). Holden tries ordering an alcoholic beverage and does so, just as an adult would but the bartender denies Holden’s request. Minors
Holden states, “The thing with kids is, if they want to grab the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off they fall off, but it's bad if you say anything to them" (378). The gold ring serves as a symbol for adulthood, as Holden finally accepts that he must let his sister fall into adulthood, and he must not try to catch her, or save her from losing her innocence. Throughout the novel, Holden mentions how he wants to be "the catcher in the rye;" a person who saves children from falling off the cliff into adulthood. By admitting that he will let his sister attempt to catch the ring, despite the risk of her falling, he is indirectly stating that he will let her reach for adulthood despite the many risks and phoniness that being an adult entails. Through this ring, Holden finally realizes that being "the catcher in the rye" is not a way to live life, and that he must trust his siblings to make their own
Since the beginning of time there have been billions of books written. From those books have come novels. From the novels have come masterpieces. From the masterpieces have come critically acclaimed titles. From those critically acclaimed titles have come classics. Classics represent the highest acknowledged standard of writing. The ingenuity of their literary elements is impeccable. A classic will inspire, intrigue, enlighten, and more importantly draw the reader into the world of the author. J. D. Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye provides an intimate glimpse into his life at the time of the story. The story portrays Holden Caulfield's trip to New York for three days, alone, at the age of sixteen. In essence, Holden Caulfield is J. D. Salinger whose peerless examples of mirrored characterization provide this glance. The purpose of this paper is to compare and evaluate literary criticisms pertaining to the theme and character of The Catcher In The Rye.