An Analytical Biography of The Catcher in the Rye Essay

Critic Jonathan Baumbach explores the significance of innocence in J.D Salingers Catcher in the Rye. He claims that the novel is not only about innocence, provided actively for innocence-as if retaining whizs clawness were an existing possibility. Not only that, but he states that Holden wishes to be a saint the protector and savior of innocence by preventing them from falling into the cruel prominent conception of mottleion and fickleness. Although he withal wants someone to prevent his own fall since he is in detail still a child himself. Baumbach states that this is Holdens paradox, saying that he essential shed his own innocence to protect innocence. These statements ar what send Holden rack up into the three day soul-searching quest that dooms Holden to sinking into monomania in our novel.The connoisseur opens with a rather descriptive insight about how others look at and critique Salingers first and only novel, as well as efflorescenceing some of the flaws that C atcher has The novel is sentimental it loads the deck for Holden and against the adult ground, the small but corrupt group that Holden encounters is not representative adequate to permit Salinger his inclusive judgments about the species. Baumbach claims that Holden does not have enough randomness to comment on the phoniness of hu manhoodity as a whole establish on his observations of only a select few.As the critic investigates further, he makes a few pursualing points. Some of which regard Mr. Antolini Holdens spring English teacher. Baumbach claims that Antolinis kindness to Holden is triggered by a transsexual(prenominal) interest that he has in the protagonist. Pointingout the flaws in his teachers marriage, as well as ambiguous actions that he had done time with Caulfield. Based on Baumbachs misguided interpretation the commentator could be lead to think that of Mr. Antolinis gesture as one of a perverted old man rather than as one of concerned mentor.Additionally, the critic moves on to treat Holdens concern of where the ducks go during the winter. He claims that what Holden really wants to know is whether in that respect is a benevolent authority that takes care of the ducks for if in that respect is one for the ducks, there is must be one for people as well. Next, Baumbach switches contract to Holdens prayer to Allie, which takes place before he goes to visit his familys apartment. The critic postulates that Holdens prayer to Allie is not so much an act of torturing as an act of love. However, if one closely examines the scene in the novel, the reader will realize that Holdens prayer is actually the act of one wallowing in self-pity, of one that has truly hit rock bottom.After examining Jonathan Baumbachs critique I can gather that he is a marvelous writer, he uses a colorful language and his sentences are perfectly structured. Although a line should be drawn when using more complex vocabulary for while cultivation the critique the re ader will likely realize themselves having to look up several words to understand the points the critic is attempt get across. Not only that, but the critic makes several assumptions found on very little information or goes out on a limb to make a point. Moreover, Baumbachs points regarding Mr. Antolinis homosexual nature, the significance of the Central Park ducks, as well as Holdens prayer to Allie are not solely concrete, and leave themselves open for dispute.When a reader goes through a book more than once, they find things they neer caught while reading it through the first time. One would realize that Holden views Mr. Antolini as a father figure and a role model and comes to him spirit for all the answers to the questions no one has figured out yet. For example, during the story when Holden arrives at Mr. Antolinis apartment, He knows that Holden is spiraling downward and is basically aiming to fall into that insanity he has been drifting towards throughoutthe novel, he warns him of this and eventually the two head to sleep. Now the controversial action that causes some of the audience to believe that Mr. Antolini is sexually interested in Caulfied, is that he awoke to find him stroking his hair.Holden misunderstood and make such a rash decision to put everyone into that Phony corrupt persona that he believes humanity is composed of, and storms off out of his home. If Holden was cerebration more clearly he wouldve probably been able to handle the item more responsibly, realizing that Antolini was only stroking his hair in more of a concerned fatherly elbow room. The reader can tell by the way Holden refers to Mr. Antolini they have a strong relationship and he views him as a surrogate father, and not some perverted old man that Baumbach has assorted him out to be.Additionally, As far as the Central Park ducks are concernedHoldens obsessive curiosity about what happens to the ducks during the winter shows the more child-like side to his charact er. Although Baumbach believes that Holden is searching for a high power, instead helps him relate to that child innocence he is so fond of. It gives him the hope that change isnt always permanent. It also helps the reader compare Holdens perfect world in which time stands still (Like in the Museum of Natural History), to the real world which is constantly changing. Proving that he isnt searching for some sort of higher power in the ducks, but it was a way to keep in touch with his innocence of his childhood.Lastly, when Holden hits rock bottom in the novel he says a prayer to Allie, in which Baumbach claims that it is an act of love and anguish. Although, this isnt entirely true. Holden is actually wallowing in his own self-pity, how could he pray to Allie for help when while Allie was alive he wouldnt even allow him to go on his bike with him and a friend? Sure, he feels regret for it now that he is dead and no longer with him, but it happened yet again when fin wanted to run aw ay with him and Caulfied turned her down the same as he had done with Allie. Proving that after hitting rock bottom Holden is grand enough to pray although he doesnt actually believe in God, but is hoping that there is one to not only save him but the soul of his deceased brother as well.In conclusion, Baumbach as a critic did write a well-written review of J.D Salingers Catcher in the Rye although it was a bit difficult to understand at times, he made a clear point and backed up his point with facts from the novel. He had colorful vocabulary and his critique flowed well together. Although the critique was a bit on the longer side I did enjoy reading it. The Catcher in the Rye which is believed to be J.D Salingers most far-famed work, had been an everlasting positron emission tomography of teens and tweens of the literary scene. This novel known for its stylized prose and focus on themes of angst, alienation, and rebellion has received wide acclaim for its extraordinary wiz of o riginality. This novel will endure as a lifetime favorite of adolescence everywhere because it has life and is probably the most original piece of its time.