CITR AP Prompt Timed Write

Any piece of well-written literature contains defining moments which serve as casements throughout the
novel. In J.D. Salingers Catcher in The Rye, readers follow the few days leading p to the main
characters, Holdens, hospitalization into a mental health institute. Several incidents shine light on the
overall analysis of the story, such as the exposition, when Holden observes his school, Pencey
Preparatory, from an overlooking hill. This exact moment shows a significant portion of his personality
by highlighting his extreme irresponsibility and how disassociated Holden is from the long and short term
effects of direct decisions.
From the exposition of the novel, readers know Holden Caulfield is not one to go with the crowd.
He stands alone on a hill, observing patiently. He seems to be at peace with himself, despite the fact of the
matter being he has been expelled. The fact that Holden can appear as secluded as he does shows that he
Is most likely an introverted person. As he narrates the novel, he mentions to be alright with the fact that
he is expelled, which shows that he is nonchalant. Connecting to this situation, Holden reflects on why
hes there, at the top of this lonesome hill. He had left the equipment on the subway, subsequently causing
his team to return home. His nonchalant qualities can also be seen in this specific situation, as he didnt
show remorse or regret. This type of detachment to situations that would otherwise be considered life
changing and serious is what makes Holden who he is. He proceeds to complain about the school itself,
and the people there. Holden then sets off to meet with his history teacher. He typically has a pessimistic
view of his school and those it it, calling them fake, or his preferred choice of word: phony. This view of
acute pessimism leads him to live in an extremely mentally secluded state, which causes him to do
peculiar things.
By revealing multiple elements of his personality, J.D. Salinger uses this scene as a casement.
Due to these revelations, readers know Holden is lonely, and either careless or pessimistic, or both. His
loneliness is then accounted for later in the novel, when he calls a stranger, Faith Cavendish, whos
number he had gotten at a party. His desire for contact, despite his constant seclusion, becomes evident as
he begins to feel sexually aroused and tries to make a date with her. This desire is also later shown when
he observes couples from his window at the Lavender Room. His loneliness is what causes a majority of
his future underlying issues, paired with his immaturity. His effortless attitude when pajor event occur
show how he feels about almost everything, as though its not worth his time.
By putting a focus on Holdens personality in one of the first few significant scenes of the novel,
J.D. Salinger uses them as illuminating moments in order to show the meaning of the work as a whole.