Wacky Holden 2

This blog will be continuing my thoughts on Holden being wacky. During the first half of the book, I was wondering if any of the other characters would notice how Holden rambled all the time. I found my answer in chapter 17!

On page 131, Salinger wrote that Sally said, “I don’t know what you’re talking about. You jump from one—,” and then she is cut off by Holden and his rambles (Salinger 131).

During this passage in this story, Holden is rambling about his brand new idea, which is ironic because a few paragraphs earlier he was talking about how he did not like how Sally always had these ideas. He thought they were always bad ideas.

Salinger also writes about Holden’s rambling. Holden rambles on about hating school while Sally just sits there and waits for it to be over. She wants to be a part of the conversation, but Holden just has her as a listener.

After being interrupted, Holden states that Sally is “probably the only reason I’m in New York right now, or anywhere. If you weren’t around, I’d probably be someplace way the hell off. In the woods or some goddam place.” He changes her thoughts on her all the time. It’s hard to follow, but at the same time it is very interesting and fun to follow.

Salinger writes that Holden was “beginning to hate her, in a way” on page one hundred and thirty three. Earlier in the book he says he loves her. I guess Holden just takes emotions for too much than they are.

Something else that can relate to this is Holden’s constant thought of suicide. He mentioned that he would jump off the building if people were not staring at his dead body after the fact. That is not his first thought about it, either. I do not understand how his emotions can change so quickly, which is why I am sticking to my opinion that he is a little wacky. I am not saying that he’s a bad person, I’m just saying that he’s a little crazy.

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 2001. Print.