Beginning Thoughts

Beginning Chapters

• First off, Holden Caulfield writes his story from a home to which he has been sent for therapy. He refuses to talk about his early life, mentioning only that his brother D. B. is a Hollywood writer. Holden’s career at Pencey Prep has been marred by his refusal to apply himself, and after failing four of his five subjects.

• In the following chapter, Holden greets Mr. Spencer and his wife in a manner that suggests he is personally close to them. He is put off by his teacher’s rather strict/cold condition but seems otherwise to respect him. In his sickroom, Spencer tries to lecture Holden about his academic failures. He confirms Pencey’s headmaster’s assertion that “life is a game” and tells Holden that he must learn to play by the rules; clearly, although Spencer clearly feels affection for Holden, he somewhat reminds him that he flunked him, and even forces him to listen to the terrible essay he handed in about the Egyptians.

“Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules." "Game, my a**. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right—I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing. No game.” (8, Salinger.)

Through this use of effective language, as the word "life" is repeated, the statement is truly emphasizing the meaning behind life; in a way in which Holden would care for, and comprehend. Moreover, Holden's former teacher is truly advising him about his failures at Pencey; at this point, he lectures Holden about the importance of playing by the rules. in addition, through Holden's tone of voice, we see how alienated he feels. He clearly identifies with those on the “other side” of the game, and he feels alone and victimized; as though the world is against him. At this point in the novel, Holden’s sense of disadvantage and bitterness show his split person, in a way, given his circumstances: he’s clearly a bright boy, but thinks differently of his place in the world, and lacks the application of his knowledge.

-Representing Holden's feeling of separation/division from the world.-

Jenna S.