The Catcher in the Rye
by J.D. Salinger
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Cast of Characters
- Plot Summary
- An Analysis of Major Characters
- Chapter 1 to Chapter 5
- Chapter 6 to Chapter 10
- Chapter 11 to Chapter 15
- Chapter 16 to Chapter 20
- Chapter 21 to Chapter 26
- Symbols and Themes
- Key Facts
- Key Quotes
- Points to Ponder
- Discussion Questions
- Take the Quiz
- Further Reading
- Flashcards
- Biography of J.D. Salinger
Jane Gallagher
Jane Gallagher—Jane is not seen during Holden’s three days of adventure, but she is often thought of by Holden. He longs to see her and speak with—and yet he never does even when he has the opportunity. For Holden, she represents the unknown—the space between innocence and adulthood. Having loved her in his childhood, he is zealous to hold onto this image of her, rather than have it corrupted by something she may have become. Although he never states it, he fears that she may succumb to phoniness and be swept into the ugly, fake world of selfishness. He doesn’t know for certain and is too scared to actually find out for himself. Even so, he remembers the sweet, awkward, lovely girl he used to know—and it is this Jane that he secretly longs to be with. In a way, it is through Phoebe that he is able to reconnect with this childhood innocence. For this reason, Jane is only a major character in Holden’s mind—and not in the novel per se.
In contrast to Sally, Jane’s character is more real. Holden cannot see Sally as anything except for a phony. She uses all the buzz words and appropriate slang that phonies use. She parrots other people’s sentiments and is, ultimately, only concerned with herself and how she appears. Though the reader never sees how Jane is in comparison, Holden is led to believe that she is not phony and has more depth and character and sweetness and morality than Sally. Holden certainly does not mind necking with Sally. But he is respectful toward Jane and is upset that she should go on a date with someone like Stradlater.
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