Catcher In The Rye Dialectical Journal Analysis
Haverdink 1
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
20 January 2015
Quote Journals (13)
Chapter 1
.
“I’d never yell ‘Good luck!’ at anybody. It sounds terrible, when you think about it” (Salinger
16).
I found this quote very peculiar at first, because most people would interpret someone saying
“good luck” as a sincere farewell, but then as I thought about the context in which it is used it dawned on me that Holden was right to some extent. The saying “good luck” is not always a terrible thing to say of course, but in some cases it can be humiliating. In Holden’s case it is humiliating, because Old Spencer is being sarcastic, and it is implied that he is saying this because he believes Holden will not make it in life. This is a prime example of why “good luck” …show more content…
can seem terrible at times. When a person says “good luck” in certain contexts the person receiving the compliment can actually feel worse, because in some cases it can have a sarcastic tone, or the person believes he or she does not need luck and interpret as a mean compliment rather than sincere. Chapter 2
.
“....When I leave a place I like to know
I’m leaving it. If you don’t, you feel even worse”
(Salinger 4).
Haverdink 2
This quote from the beginning of the book is confusing in a way. When I first read it over
I interpreted the quote as saying that everyone needs closure in different cases and that closure was important to someones feelings after, and I believe it relates to the quote, but I’m not sure that’s the exact meaning of what Holden is thinking. After my first interpretation I then decided that the word “leave” had a larger meaning than expected. I believe it is a way of coping for
Holden. If he is leaving the school then he can feel better about himself, but if he admits that he was kicked out he would feel worse. This can be true in everyday life as well. Many people like to feel as if they are the triumphant ones when dismissing any kind of situation. Chapter 3
.
“People always think something’s all true” (Sallinger 9).
Out of all the quotes I picked I like this one the most. I believe this quote is very true and can be seen in so many ways among people. The most common example of this is when a person characterizes another person based on one incident rather than considering other characteristics.
For instance if a man was convicted of some crime, people usually assume that from that point on that he is not a good man. That one incident or mistake that he had made will characterize his appearance, and people will think he is nothing but a criminal. This can also be seen in stereotypes made in society,where if something happens one time to a group of people then that group will always be thought of in a certain way. In other words people see others as a basis of one or two experiences and do not think outside these few instances.
Haverdink 3
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
21 January 2015
Quote Journals (45)
Chapters 45
.
“I got bored sitting on that washbowl after a while, so I backed up a few feet and started doing this tap dance, just for the hell of it. I was just amusing myself. I can't really tapdance or anything, but it was a stone floor in the can, and it was good for tapdancing. I started imitating one of those guys in the movies. In one of those musicals. I hate the movies like poison, but I get a bang imitating them...All I need's is an audience.
I'm an exhibitionist” (Salinger 29).
I personally think that this scene or excerpt is relatively inspiring almost. This is the first time we see that Holden shows enthusiasm and direction of energy in his life. Out of all the terrible and cruel things he says about the world, he has something left, something inside of him still that makes him jump with joy and dance with pleasure. He does sound peerlessly selfabsorbed and it might seem ridiculous, but i kind of like a happier Holden. A lot of people, especially teenagers, like this book because we feel like it has an insight to our lives in some way, some knowledge
Haverdink 4
that no adult understands. This is one more example of it here, even though we have a grim and dramatic perspective, sometimes we get excited, which makes CIR all the more relatable.
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
23 January 2015
Quote Journals (89)
Chapter 8
.
“Mothers are all slightly insane” (Salinger 55).
I can’t be fully sure about my interpretation of this quote, because this quote has an endless amount of possibilities for its true meaning. I believe Salinger is stating that all Mothers
have some peculiar mother instinct in them. Some mothers may be overprotective and concerned about a special incident, but there concerns are various. Some mothers may be crazy about what time their kid shows up home, while others may be less strict, but can become furious about their child, not doing good in school. Mothers all have a protective instinct when it comes to their children, and I believe this is what Salinger is trying to portray. The word insane may be a little too heavy for the statement, but it serves its purpose. Chapter 9
.
Haverdink 5
“If you’re not in the mood, you can't do that stuff right” (Sallinger 63).
This quote is something everyone has experienced in some way or another. Any person is able to relate to this quote in one way or another. I believe this quote is completely true and can also be expanded upon. For example if a person is not in a good mood they are less likely to try their hardest and figure out the problem they are given, but on the other hand if the person is happy they are more likely to try their best at the task they are given. I believe this quote is also important, because Holden himself does not have the best moods, so it could be a cause for some of his negative actions. The only objection I could create is that their is a possibility that a person may be able to do the task right, but may not be able to give their full effort.
Haverdink 6
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
26 January 2015
Quote Journals (1013)
Chapters 1011
.
“You should see her… everybody with any sense, anyway” (Salinger 6768).
I chose this quote because it stood out to me for two main reasons. First, Holden goes into deep, and very intricate detail in describing Phoebe, something that is just like him, to focus on the details. Secondly, Holden compliments Phoebe very extensively and speaks of her in a loving tone, something that is unlike Holden who finds the smallest flaws in people and focuses on them. Holden doesn’t focus on the negatives in this case, he is loving and even to the point of doting on Phoebe. Chapters 1213
.
“‘How marvelous to see you!’... If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though”
Haverdink 7
(Salinger 8687).
This quote stood out to me for a few reasons. Firstly, it introduces someone who Holden instantly dislikes and classifies as a phony, even though she obviously is, it only took a few seconds for him to decide that. Secondly, Holden describes how reluctant he is to exchange pleasantries such as “nice to meet you”, but that it needs to be said in order to remain alive. This caught my attention as Holden again is very open to the reader and lets us deeper into his personality, and describes more of his views on the world and society.
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
27 January 2015
Quote Journals (1416)
Chapters 1416
.
“I took my old hunting hat out of my pocket… I’d made that damn date with Sally though”
(Salinger 122).
This quote stood out to me for a few reasons. First, and most importantly, we get a sense of just how lonely Holden truly is. He imagines trying to spend time with others, and even goes to spend time with a few children, all of which does not go well and reflects just how lonely Holden truly is. Even the children seem to not want Holden around, and that further reflects how badly
Holden wants company. I believe this quote gives the readers further insight into Holden, and shows just how deep into just depression Holden has sunk. This furthers the novel in that we see
Holden’s further change into seeing just how lonely he is.
Haverdink 8
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
29 January 2015
Quote Journals (2123)
Chapter 21
.
“When I finally got down off the radiator and went out to the hatcheck room, I was crying and all, I don’t know why, but I was. I guess it was because I was feeling so damn depressed and lonesome” (Salinger 153).
I chose this quote because it seems as if Holden is finally accepting what he is feeling and what he is going through. This may show that Holden is experiencing either a growth emotionally or that he is about to move on into the next phase of his life. This also establishes a deeper bond with the reader because Holden makes himself more vulnerable to the reader and allows us to see him better. I also chose this quote because of the fact that Holden is seeming to accept how he feels which means that he may try to fix it, perhaps by finally going back to his home and family.
Haverdink 9
Chapter 22
.
“I went around the room, very quiet and all, looking at stuff for a while. I felt sell, for a change. I didn’t even feel like I was getting pneumonia or anything any more. I just felt good, for a change” (Salinger 159).
I chose this quote for a few reasons. First, it shows how at ease Holden is around his family, particularly his dear sister. Secondly, Holden says that he is finally happy, showing that being home and near his sister, one of the few people he actually really cares for, has a great positive effect upon him. It boosts his mood almost as soon as he walks into her room. I also chose the quote because I can connect with him in this situation, being near people I love or a familiar setting will put me at ease and help my mood. Chapter 23
.
“Anyway, I keep picturing… I know it’s crazy” (Salinger 172).
I chose this quote largely because of how much it tells us about Holden. Holden finally tells the readers what he wants to do, figuratively, this shows that Holden merely wants to be a protector of children, he wants to rescue them in case they are in danger. He wants to keep them safe and protect them from the evils of the world and of adulthood. This quote also shows us more of
Holden’s mental state and how unstable he truly is as well as how he imagines himself. He himself even acknowledges it is crazy.
Haverdink 10
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
20 January 2015
Quote Journals (13)
Chapter 1
.
“I’d never yell ‘Good luck!’ at anybody. It sounds terrible, when you think about it” (Salinger
16).
I found this quote very peculiar at first, because most people would interpret someone saying
“good luck” as a sincere farewell, but then as I thought about the context in which it is used it dawned on me that Holden was right to some extent. The saying “good luck” is not always a terrible thing to say of course, but in some cases it can be humiliating. In Holden’s case it is humiliating, because Old Spencer is being sarcastic, and it is implied that he is saying this because he believes Holden will not make it in life. This is a prime example of why “good luck” …show more content…
can seem terrible at times. When a person says “good luck” in certain contexts the person receiving the compliment can actually feel worse, because in some cases it can have a sarcastic tone, or the person believes he or she does not need luck and interpret as a mean compliment rather than sincere. Chapter 2
.
“....When I leave a place I like to know
I’m leaving it. If you don’t, you feel even worse”
(Salinger 4).
Haverdink 2
This quote from the beginning of the book is confusing in a way. When I first read it over
I interpreted the quote as saying that everyone needs closure in different cases and that closure was important to someones feelings after, and I believe it relates to the quote, but I’m not sure that’s the exact meaning of what Holden is thinking. After my first interpretation I then decided that the word “leave” had a larger meaning than expected. I believe it is a way of coping for
Holden. If he is leaving the school then he can feel better about himself, but if he admits that he was kicked out he would feel worse. This can be true in everyday life as well. Many people like to feel as if they are the triumphant ones when dismissing any kind of situation. Chapter 3
.
“People always think something’s all true” (Sallinger 9).
Out of all the quotes I picked I like this one the most. I believe this quote is very true and can be seen in so many ways among people. The most common example of this is when a person characterizes another person based on one incident rather than considering other characteristics.
For instance if a man was convicted of some crime, people usually assume that from that point on that he is not a good man. That one incident or mistake that he had made will characterize his appearance, and people will think he is nothing but a criminal. This can also be seen in stereotypes made in society,where if something happens one time to a group of people then that group will always be thought of in a certain way. In other words people see others as a basis of one or two experiences and do not think outside these few instances.
Haverdink 3
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
21 January 2015
Quote Journals (45)
Chapters 45
.
“I got bored sitting on that washbowl after a while, so I backed up a few feet and started doing this tap dance, just for the hell of it. I was just amusing myself. I can't really tapdance or anything, but it was a stone floor in the can, and it was good for tapdancing. I started imitating one of those guys in the movies. In one of those musicals. I hate the movies like poison, but I get a bang imitating them...All I need's is an audience.
I'm an exhibitionist” (Salinger 29).
I personally think that this scene or excerpt is relatively inspiring almost. This is the first time we see that Holden shows enthusiasm and direction of energy in his life. Out of all the terrible and cruel things he says about the world, he has something left, something inside of him still that makes him jump with joy and dance with pleasure. He does sound peerlessly selfabsorbed and it might seem ridiculous, but i kind of like a happier Holden. A lot of people, especially teenagers, like this book because we feel like it has an insight to our lives in some way, some knowledge
Haverdink 4
that no adult understands. This is one more example of it here, even though we have a grim and dramatic perspective, sometimes we get excited, which makes CIR all the more relatable.
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
23 January 2015
Quote Journals (89)
Chapter 8
.
“Mothers are all slightly insane” (Salinger 55).
I can’t be fully sure about my interpretation of this quote, because this quote has an endless amount of possibilities for its true meaning. I believe Salinger is stating that all Mothers
have some peculiar mother instinct in them. Some mothers may be overprotective and concerned about a special incident, but there concerns are various. Some mothers may be crazy about what time their kid shows up home, while others may be less strict, but can become furious about their child, not doing good in school. Mothers all have a protective instinct when it comes to their children, and I believe this is what Salinger is trying to portray. The word insane may be a little too heavy for the statement, but it serves its purpose. Chapter 9
.
Haverdink 5
“If you’re not in the mood, you can't do that stuff right” (Sallinger 63).
This quote is something everyone has experienced in some way or another. Any person is able to relate to this quote in one way or another. I believe this quote is completely true and can also be expanded upon. For example if a person is not in a good mood they are less likely to try their hardest and figure out the problem they are given, but on the other hand if the person is happy they are more likely to try their best at the task they are given. I believe this quote is also important, because Holden himself does not have the best moods, so it could be a cause for some of his negative actions. The only objection I could create is that their is a possibility that a person may be able to do the task right, but may not be able to give their full effort.
Haverdink 6
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
26 January 2015
Quote Journals (1013)
Chapters 1011
.
“You should see her… everybody with any sense, anyway” (Salinger 6768).
I chose this quote because it stood out to me for two main reasons. First, Holden goes into deep, and very intricate detail in describing Phoebe, something that is just like him, to focus on the details. Secondly, Holden compliments Phoebe very extensively and speaks of her in a loving tone, something that is unlike Holden who finds the smallest flaws in people and focuses on them. Holden doesn’t focus on the negatives in this case, he is loving and even to the point of doting on Phoebe. Chapters 1213
.
“‘How marvelous to see you!’... If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though”
Haverdink 7
(Salinger 8687).
This quote stood out to me for a few reasons. Firstly, it introduces someone who Holden instantly dislikes and classifies as a phony, even though she obviously is, it only took a few seconds for him to decide that. Secondly, Holden describes how reluctant he is to exchange pleasantries such as “nice to meet you”, but that it needs to be said in order to remain alive. This caught my attention as Holden again is very open to the reader and lets us deeper into his personality, and describes more of his views on the world and society.
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
27 January 2015
Quote Journals (1416)
Chapters 1416
.
“I took my old hunting hat out of my pocket… I’d made that damn date with Sally though”
(Salinger 122).
This quote stood out to me for a few reasons. First, and most importantly, we get a sense of just how lonely Holden truly is. He imagines trying to spend time with others, and even goes to spend time with a few children, all of which does not go well and reflects just how lonely Holden truly is. Even the children seem to not want Holden around, and that further reflects how badly
Holden wants company. I believe this quote gives the readers further insight into Holden, and shows just how deep into just depression Holden has sunk. This furthers the novel in that we see
Holden’s further change into seeing just how lonely he is.
Haverdink 8
Austin Haverdink
Mr. Montalbano
AP English, 2nd
29 January 2015
Quote Journals (2123)
Chapter 21
.
“When I finally got down off the radiator and went out to the hatcheck room, I was crying and all, I don’t know why, but I was. I guess it was because I was feeling so damn depressed and lonesome” (Salinger 153).
I chose this quote because it seems as if Holden is finally accepting what he is feeling and what he is going through. This may show that Holden is experiencing either a growth emotionally or that he is about to move on into the next phase of his life. This also establishes a deeper bond with the reader because Holden makes himself more vulnerable to the reader and allows us to see him better. I also chose this quote because of the fact that Holden is seeming to accept how he feels which means that he may try to fix it, perhaps by finally going back to his home and family.
Haverdink 9
Chapter 22
.
“I went around the room, very quiet and all, looking at stuff for a while. I felt sell, for a change. I didn’t even feel like I was getting pneumonia or anything any more. I just felt good, for a change” (Salinger 159).
I chose this quote for a few reasons. First, it shows how at ease Holden is around his family, particularly his dear sister. Secondly, Holden says that he is finally happy, showing that being home and near his sister, one of the few people he actually really cares for, has a great positive effect upon him. It boosts his mood almost as soon as he walks into her room. I also chose the quote because I can connect with him in this situation, being near people I love or a familiar setting will put me at ease and help my mood. Chapter 23
.
“Anyway, I keep picturing… I know it’s crazy” (Salinger 172).
I chose this quote largely because of how much it tells us about Holden. Holden finally tells the readers what he wants to do, figuratively, this shows that Holden merely wants to be a protector of children, he wants to rescue them in case they are in danger. He wants to keep them safe and protect them from the evils of the world and of adulthood. This quote also shows us more of
Holden’s mental state and how unstable he truly is as well as how he imagines himself. He himself even acknowledges it is crazy.
Haverdink 10