The Characterization Of Bildungsroman In The Catcher In...

A bildungsroman is a special kind of novel that focuses on the psychological and moral growth of its main character from his or her youth to adulthood.(Bildungsroman: A Literary Device). In The Catcher In The Rye, the author creates a successful bildungsroman through the characterization of the novels protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Throughout the novel, Holden uses a jarred voice filled with cynicism and the overall tone is clearly depressing. The conflict between Holden and the values of society(Bildungsroman: A Literary Device) is quite clear as he believes that the world of an adult is filled with pain and disappointment. In The Catcher In The Rye, the methods of characterization used to develop Holden, are his actions throughout†¦show more content†¦However, during his encounter with Sunny he refuses to have sex with her and thinks about calling Jane as deep inside he craves real affection. This shows that he is steadily maturing into a sensible adult. His sensible natur e is also displayed when misadventure piles on misadventure, but he bears it all with a grim cheerfulness and stubborn courage. He is finally saved as a result of his meeting with his little sister Phoebe.(Burger) Holdens ability deal with aspects of society directed to adults such as liquor, sex and nightclubs shows that he is maturing into an adult. At the end of the novel, Holden cries and says that he felt so damn happy, to tell the truth when he sees Phoebe riding the carousel. He is overwhelmed with joy because Phoebe displays the innocence he wants to protect but also knows that she is out of his reach and have to face the world of an adult at a certain point. This shows that he has finally grown into an adult and knows what an adult must go through in society. All this shows that Holden has grown into a sensible adult from an immature teenager through his actions and helps in creating a successful bildungsroman. The author of The Catcher In The Rye also uses Holdens speech and language as a method of characterization. Holden narrates the entire plot in a colloquial teenage language filled with profanity which is nothing like what a maturedShow MoreRelatedHolden Caulfield and the Pressures of Society: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger1286 Words   |  6 Pages In the bildungsroman, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, characterization is often found, especially regarding the protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Salinger also includes many themes in his novel relating to growing up in a corrupt society. Hence, this paper will compare, contrast, and evaluate literary criticisms regarding the themes and characterization of J.D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye. Many critics of The Catcher in the Rye discuss in depth the characterization of the protagonistRead MoreRed Hunting Hat Analysis987 Words   |  4 Pagesadding depth and meaning to a story while conveying a complex idea that can be understood and recognized in a variety of ways. Considering that The Catcher in the Rye is a bildungsroman; it deals with complex issues of identity, belonging, and alienation. The reader is exposed to several facets of symbolism that help give substance and characterization to the protagonist of the story, young Holden Caulfield. It is through these assorted symbols that Holden transforms from an average teenager to a