The Violence in the Catcher in the Rye

Violence in the Catcher in the Rye Often, simple physical conflicts are used to develop characters and to increase the suspense and action between them. In J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield the 16-year-old narrator and protagonist claims to be a pacifist. Holden views the world as an evil and corrupt place where there is no peace. As a sincere person living amongst phonies, he views others as completely immoral …

…in the attempt to defend Allie’s honor, and Jane’s purity. Holden develops a stronger hatred of the phony in his conflict with Maurice in the attempt to secure his welfare. Holden has a respect for James Castle, and also his action has a mental effect on Holden, as demonstrated in his fantasies. Before restricting works of literature for the violence, one must think of the importance it has in the development of characters.