Free Catcher in the Rye Essays: Use of Foreshadowing:
Length: 571 words (2.1 pages)
Rating: Red (FREE)
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
The Catcher in the Rye Essay: Use of Foreshadowing
The use of forshadowing in a novel can help it's reader get a sense of what is to come in the story without giving away the events themselves. It is a powerful tool which prevents events from being left unexplained, leaving the reader question the effectivness of an outcome. The eventual breakdown of the character Holden Caufield in J.D. Salinger's controversial 1945 novel "The Catcher in the Rye" was foreshadowed in the early chapters of the book. The first clue is his negative approach to life. He begins by talking about his "lousy childhood" (p.1) and the first traces of profanity can be seen scattered about the page in the form of "crap", "hell" and "goddam". Holden's first sign of distrust comes when he speaks to Ward Stradlater about his date with Jane Gallagher: "Listen. Give my regards, willya?" "Okay," Stradlater said, but I knew he probably wouldn't... "Ask her if she still keeps all her kings in the back row." "Okay," Stradlater said, but I knew he wouldn't. (p.33-34) This is seen again when he doesn't trust Stradlater to stop his advances of Jane in the case that she says no. Holden gives up his faith in people to trust him when he boards a bus holding a snowball. The driver refuses to believe that Holden won't throw the snowball so he draws the conclusion that "People never believe you." (p.37). He is also always placing labels upon people as being "phonies" which gives the reader the idea that Holden thinks that others are materialistic. Holdens attempts to protect the innocence in the world is another early sign of his deteriorating state. When Holden goes to Pheobe's school to deliver his note he sees some swearing of the wall which he says "drove me damn near crazy" (p.201). He wipes the words from the wall in an attempt to prevent the inevitable from occuring, leading the reader to believe that he may experience some mental unstability in the future. Eventually he comes to the realization that he can't rub all the profanity away himself. Another example of Holden's attempt to shelter innocence is the fact that he never does call Jane, possibly for fear that she will scar his memories of her as an innocent child. The title of this novel presents this theme to the reader in that Holden wants to be "the catcher in the rye" (p. ) so he can catch all of the children that sway to close to the edge of a cliff in thier play. Perhaps the most obvious example of foreshadowing in the novel occurs when his parents come close to having him "phsycoanalyzed and all" (p.39) when he breaks all the windows in the garage. Throughout the novel he refers to himself as "a madman" (p.79) which gives the reader the idea that he sees himself as having a sort of mental problem. These two peices of evidence alone present a fairly firm idea of what will happen to Holden towards the end of the story. The use of foreshadowing is evident in the novel "The Catcher in the Rye". It does it's job well in that it foretells the outcome of Holdens many problems and gives reason for it. The eventual breakdown of Holden is not startling to the reader because of the authors use of foreshadowing and therefore it is effective.
Search for: [joyce uses] [modern poetry] [spanish influenza] [historical events]
|
Important Note: If you'd like to save a copy of the
paper on your computer, you can COPY and PASTE it into your word
processor. Please, follow these steps to do that in Windows:
1. Select the text of the paper with the mouse and press Ctrl+C. Azete.com (the "Web Site") is produced by the "Company". The contents of this Web Site, such as text, graphics, images, audio, video and all other material ("Material"), are protected by copyright under both United States and foreign laws. The Company makes no representations about the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the Material or about the results to be obtained from using the Material. You expressly agree that any use of the Material is entirely at your own risk. Most of the Material on the Web Site is provided and maintained by third parties. This third party Material may not be screened by the Company prior to its inclusion on the Web Site. You expressly agree that the Company is not liable or responsible for any defamatory, offensive, or illegal conduct of other subscribers or third parties. The Materials are provided on an as-is basis without warranty express or implied. The Company and its suppliers and affiliates disclaim all warranties, including the warranty of non-infringement of proprietary or third party rights, and the warranty of fitness for a particular purpose. The Company and its suppliers make no warranties as to the accuracy, reliability, completeness, or timeliness of the material, services, text, graphics and links. For a complete statement of the Terms of Service, please see our website. By obtaining these materials you agree to abide by the terms herein, by our Terms of Service as posted on the website and any and all alterations, revisions and amendments thereto. |
ich mit meiner Familie nach Frankreich gefahren. Wir sind mit dem Auto gefahren, die Reise war sehr langweilig, und mein Bruder hat mich sehr geärgert. Wir sind in einem Hotel in Paris geblieben. Es war OK. Ich hatte ein Einzelzimmer und meine eltern hatten ein zimmer für sich. In ...ug abuse, effecting at least 5 million people. About one third of high school students in the US are though to be problem drinkers. Many already may be alcoholics. A person who is dependent on alcohol is called an alcoholic. Drunk drivers account for one half of all fatal automobile accidents each y...ulius, in order to be free. Antony, opposed to the assassination, felt that he should avenge Julius's death. He delivered a speech that convinced the Romans that the murder was unjust, invoking their rebellion. Brutus, head of the conspiracy, also gave a good speech, but the Romans didn't react to i...h dynasty for about 100 years. They had stronghold in Avaris, from where they could administer Egypt and collect taxes. During the rule of the Hyksos it was a time of peace and prosperity, and Egyptian religion was well respected. Nothing can be found out on where the Hyksos came from, but it is a g...