Money Talks

In the book The Catcher In the Rye by J. D. Salinger, the main character, Holden Caulfield, treats money and social standing with conflicting attitudes and perspectives. In many ways Holden rejects money and scoffs at people who are rich and, in his opinion, “phony.” He fantasizes about being poor and living in a working-class environment. But at times, Holden acts rich and snooty around certain people. If Holden really adores the idea of poverty, …

…Holden doesn’t want to be a “phony,” he doesn’t want to be just another being in this demented world. But, he wants to be accepted and liked. Unfortunately, Holden’s confusion and searching for his true self is leading him into a horrible pit. As Mr. Antolini warns him, he is heading for “a terrible, terrible fall” (186.) And the one person Holden, the catcher in the rye, cannot catch, is himself. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ **Bibliography**