The Catcher in the Rye Chapters 16 18

The Catcher in the Rye Chapters 16 -18

The Catcher in the Rye Chapters 17 -22

Companionship • Focus on lack of compatibility – “In a way, it was sort of depressing, too, because you kept wondering what the hell would happen to all of them. When they got out of school and college, I mean. You figured most of them would probably marry dopey guys. Guys that always talk about how many miles they get to a gallon in their goddamn cars…” (123). • Holden worries about other girls • He should worry about his situation • He is meeting Sally but should be meeting Jane

Companionship • Focus on lack of compatibility – Play focuses on life partners • Seem compatible but phony • Lunts are good, but too good – Like Ernie they are superficial – Holden’s continued search for companion

Companionship • Focus on lack of compatibility – “I felt like marrying her the minute I saw her. I’m crazy. I didn’t even like her much, and yet all of a sudden I felt like I was in love with her and wanted to marry her. I swear to God I’m crazy. I admit it” (124). • She is the opposite of Holden • She represents the phoniness Holden despises

Holden’s Manic Behavior • Indicate he’s heading for an emotional breakdown – Contradicts himself about his feelings for her » “I told her I loved her and all. It was a lie, of course, but the thing is, I meant it when I said it” (125). – Yells at Sally and doesn’t realize it » “Don’t shout, please, ” old Sally said. Which was very funny, because I wasn’t even shouting” (132). – Reveals his passions and feelings to her – She doesn’t understand or have the depth to

Holden’s Increasing Manic Behavior • Wants to run away with Sally – Indicates break from reality » “We’ll stay in these cabin camps and stuff like that…we could get married or something. I could chop all our own wood in the wintertime and all. Honest to God, we could have a terrific time!” (132). • Sally is conventional and practical and questions practicality of this venture