AALLLLRRIIGHT...so...onto part 3333333...
SOO...onto the real stuff. The scene where Holden goes to the park, gets drunk, and then visits Pheobe is probably the climax of the book [for lack of a bigger climax] as well as the most revealing for Holden. Holden definitely feels rejected by everyone and I think he pretty much feels that he won't be accepted or taken in by anyone he goes to. Just like in many other books, the main character begins to feel like he has nothing to live for. But back to specifics. Because Holden has been wondering thoughout the whole book where the ducks go to in the winter, he decides to visit the park. When he gets there he finds that the ducks are all gone. Because he is drunk and has basically hit rock bottom this is a very strong symbolic moment. He looks to a place to find answers and all he finds is defeat. This is very much what happens when meets his older colleagues as well. Poor Holden, he can't get anything out of life, he can't get any answers he needs, and he can't vent. He's basically trying to hard to be someone else by acting older AND by doing this, his life is rapidly falling...
Pheobe is basically his soul-saver, the only person he answers to and his remedy, if you will. When he goes to see her, she is, at first, so excited to see him. Can't you just picture Holden with a giant smile on his face in this scene? His eyes would soften and his smile would melt when Pheobe gave him a hug... Anyway, Pheobe soon realizes that Holden "got the ax" and starts to come down hard on him. Holden feels bad for getting kicked out of school, but he probably feels it the most in this scene. I think Pheobe really brings out the best of him, but not just because she's a kid. It's something else about that Holden--Pheobe relationship. Something about her bubbly personality and smiling face that gets to Holden. And in the end, Pheobe is really Holden's savior. Holden realizes that he should try in life because it now has a purpose. If not just to save Pheobe from pain (as is demonstrated when Holden is "plotting" the ways he will die and says he is thankful for Pheobe forbidden to go to his "funeral"), it is to keep the good things he has in life (such as his family, his memories--especially of Allie--and the experiences he can constantly "chew the fat" with)...
PHEW. Overall, I think Holden's a good guy with many issues and who makes a great character in Catcher... :]
I would write more about certain parts of the book, but I fear my fingers might fall off! :]
COMMENTTTT!!!!!
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2 comments:
Wow Gabby, you have a lot to say. The ending is definitely a weird one. Especially since it ends up with Holden in the park...watching Phoebe go around and around on the carousel. But i have one question...do you think that there is a hidden ending? That there was something else that Salinger had to tell the world in his most famous novel??
Let me know!!
Wow, what a long blog there Gab. It's long enough to be a short story :P. Anyways I agree that the ducks in the park was symbolic. However, I viewed it differently. I thought the ducks flying away symbolized freedom, which Holden seeked. I loved the ending. He FINALLY ends up in a mentalhospital! YAY! No more Mr. FML.
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