The Catcher in the Rye The American classic, The Catcher in the Rye, although simply written, had quite sophisticated meanings. Salinger used seemingly inconsequential details of the novel as hidden metaphors to help carry out the theme. The main character and narrator, Holden, has many concealed allegories behind him, when uncovered, create a new and enlightened way of perceiving him and understanding his actions. As the insightful and tragic story comes to an end, the …showed first 75 words of 1075 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1075 total…and the suffering he endures through this difficult time in his life. Although The Catcher in the Rye is simply composed by an ill teenage boy, it has many complex meanings entangled into the story. J.D. Salinger uses seemingly unimportant details, actions by characters, and ideas to help accomplish the theme. The characterization of the narrator, Holden, plays a substantial role in helping discover the novel's hidden theme of clinging onto childhood and innocence.