Catcher in the Rye

To Holden, everyone is a "phony", he is an extreamly judgemental character. What does he use to classify one as a "phony"? Is it typical people or insecure people, perhaps overall boring people? I can't really disagree with Holden, people are phony. However, Holden seems like a generally unhappy guy. He may be focusing on putting people and actions in simple catagories rather than getting to know people and giving them an in depth person analysis. For example, many things to Holden are either simply "phony" or "crumby" and these are the things that disgust him.
Throughout the book Holden is trying to separate childhood and adulthood. In chapter 23, Holden says his goodbyes to Pheobe informing her that he is leaving New York to go out west. This greatly reminded my of The Death of a Salesman, when Biff wishes to move from the city to the west. What does this tell us? I suppose that unless you really want to live in a place like The Big Apple, don't. The very cramped big city is not for everyone, and the west is often a symbol for freedom. While saying goodbye to Pheobe she offers him her chhristmas money which causes him to break down. What is the cause for his brekdown? Is it because he wants to isolate himself in the west and even so his sister supported him and even offered him money? Does this help him with his seperation of adult and childhood? Here is a very young person committing a very gratious action, to me Holden may have realized that "phoniness" and "crumbiness" may not be associated with adulthood but with peoples personalitites. Age is only a number. A young child can cause an emotional breakdown in Holden. Pheobe when we first meet her seems angry at his immaturity and stubborness.
One other thing I wanted to point out: Both Allie and Pheobe have red hair, could that be why Holden chose to wear a red hunting cap? Is he perhaps insecure? Or is it just another way for him to express his individuallity.




Focus on my observations of Holden and Pheobe, and any comparissons to death of a salesman. please comment on anything you may disagree or agree with

Death of a Salesman

To get this entry started I would like to make a comparison between "The Death of a Salesman" and "The Great Gatsby". Like Mr. Fiorini stated in his post, there is that whole feeling of New York City in the 1920's, and advertising is playing a huge role in culture and city life at this time. As in "The Great Gatsby", "The Death of a Salesman" has a theme of the 1920's American Dream. Like I said in a past entry about Gatsby, he "worked his way to the top of the social ladder." The American Dream is making your living in America and having the mind set that you can achieve anything. It is apparent that Willy believes the American Dream is to be successful and to make money. He focuses on being well-liked and good looking as traits to help you become successful. He even points out to his sons that because Bernard is not well-liked he will be hurt in the long run (even though Bernard is quiet smart).
Biff has betrayed the high hopes that Willy had for him. Growing up Biff seemed smart (other than failing math), he had friends, he was slick with the ladies, and was a sports guy. Biff however, can not seem to hold a job. This causes for a rough relationship between the salesman father and thirty-something son. Willy sees his son as a failure and this is upsetting to me as a reader. Despite his age I believe Biff has not found his true self yet which is a sad thing. What he has realized however is very important, Biff is able to confront and accept his failures. I see Willy’s life as a very miserable one. He is clearly not enjoying his life because he has attempted suicide many times before his family finally lost him. Biffs dream is to move out west. Is the west a symbol for complete freedom? It is a far away place where he can take up a line of work that is outside of the business/sales life. Biff is happy when he is on farms, working with his hands. He could potentially have a very satisfying life if he were to move out west. He would escape his fathers obsession with sales life. One things that Biff has to look upon when considering going out West is the success of his Grandfather (who was successful in Alaska) and his uncle Ben (who was successful in Africa). He doesn't have to remained trapped in city life like his miserable father. An important theme or trait that Biff has is the importance of being original and being your self. Material goods should never be the focus, you will become miserable.



focus on all observations and my idea of the american dream