Literature Analysis IV

Catcher In the Rye Literature Analysis
 
1. Briefly summarize the plot of the novel you read.

Catcher In the Rye is a tale about coming of age if you may. It is narrated by the main character, which is Holden Caulfield. He depicts his story while he is being interviewed in a way at a mental clinic. His talks about the tragic death of his brother which causes him some pain and causes him to anguish. After moving to New York he begins to go into a downward spiral. He has a thing for despising people he calls "phonies". Once he moves into the city he meets a prostitute which he falls for. In the end he ends up in a mental clinic.

2. Succinctly describe the theme of the novel. Avoid cliches.

The theme of the novel can be seen the evolution of character. For example we are introduce to Holden as a rude arrogant kid but he later reveals to be a multi- sided character. He shows compassion, sympathy, and also despair when he enters into a downward spiral he seems to come out at the end as a relatable character. 

3. Describe the author's tone.  Include three excerpts that illustrate your point(s).

The author's tone seems to be sarcastic, sort of mocking, but also empathetic at the same time. He does make Holden seem like someone who has struggled. For example, "Goddamn money. It always ends up making you blue as hell." This demonstrated his observation on money's effect on people according to Holden. Another example is, "If a girl looks swell when she meets you, who gives a damn if she's late? Nobody." This is a humorous tone used to enlighten the somber tone of the novel. Another example is one that also creates a depressing  tone, "People never believe you." it sort of makes it feel like a endless struggle.

4. Describe five literary elements/techniques you observed that strengthened your understanding of the theme and/or your sense of the tone.  Include three excerpts that will help your reader understand each one.

Five literary elements that helped me understand the theme was the diction that Salinger used. When Salinger used swear words or vulgarity it created a sense of who Holden's character was, which later attributed to what he develops into. Another technique is the sense of empathy that he uses in order to help us relate to the troubles that Holden has. The third technique used is the repetition of references to Holden's hate towards the adults. It creates a sense of loss of innocence. Another technique is the mood created. Salinger executes the way mood was used nicely by perfectly illustrating a mournful scene, for example the memory of Holden's dead brother, to actually affect the way we feel towards the scene. A final technique used is his point of view. Written in first person point of view this allows the narrator, Holden, to describe with more sentiment and with more capacity of being relatable to the audience.