Catcher In the Rye (Context and Analysis)

Catcher In The Rye Context and Analysis Catcher in the Rye is a story of a young boy, Holden Caulfield's coming of age. It takes place at a time when he has been kicked out of 4 schools for failing to 'apply' himself. After being kicked out of his latest school he decides to take a 'vacation' before finally returning home to face his parents' imminent and inevitable wrath. Holden Caulfield in a way personifies teenage …

…trick and they patch up. The Carousel here signifies the coming of age of Holden as he finally consciously or subconsciously decides not to ride it because he is too 'big' for it now. He takes his pleasure from just watching his sister go round and round and is overcome with emotion. The carousel is a turning point as it is this object that makes Holden realize some of his 'adultness' by not riding it.