Example research essay topic: Holden Salinger - 862 words

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J. D. Salinger? s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, should long be remembered as an American classic. Although some may not consider it one of the most eloquently written stories of its time, it certainly captures the reader? s attention.

Salinger is able to incorporate philosophical views throughout the story in terms of Holden? s ethical code; at the same time, he keeps the reader entranced with radical turns of events and Holden? s character. As far as ethics is concerned, Holden has his fair share of bad moral judgments.

He demonstrates a very negative principle when he decides, ? I? d get the hell out of Peace-right that same night and all. I mean not wait till Wednesday or anything. I just didn?

t want to hang around any more? (51). In this simple action, Holden gives himself away as a man of little reasoning. He shows that he has no desire to have his life run by authority, so he packs up his belongings and leaves at will. A second show of disagreeable morals is presented in the form of Holden? s drinking habit, ? I ordered a Scotch and soda, which is my favorite drink, next to frozen Daiquiris? (85).

Drinking in itself does not constitute moral corruption, yet drinking at Holden? s young age, does. Holden turns to liquor as a scapegoat, and has failed to see the error in his ways. Although the prior two offenses are large, perhaps the most obvious flaw in character for Holden was his intention to entertain a prostitute, ? I kept hoping she? d be good-looking.

I didn? t care too much, though. I sort of wanted to get it over with? (93). Whereas drinking is considered deviant only because of Holden?

s young age, the purchase of a prostitute at any age cannot be condoned. For whatever reason, Holden did not use sound judgment in deciding to engage in the company of a harlot. Obviously, Holden needs some ethical guidance, but perhaps not all is lost with him. Throughout the novel, Holden finds a way to redeem his own understanding of right and wrong. Though his intentions might have leaned toward corruption, his final decision reveals a basis for good principles; ? I?

ll pay you and all, but do you mind very much if we don? t do it? (96)? By rebuking Sunny, the call girl, Holden shows that he can distinguish right from wrong. He was able to fall back on his ideals and make a sound judgment.

Once again Holden presents virtuous ethics when he encounters two nuns, ? ? I thought if you were taking up a collection, I could make a small contribution? ? (109). Seemingly out of nowhere Holden shows a sign of good heart. Without the slightest bit of hesitation, Holden dishes out ten dollars and another act of moral good. Though throughout the story, he seemed to have been well on his way out of New York, Holden makes a very rational decision in saying? ? I?

m not going away anywhere. I changed my mind? ? (207). Holden could ultimately be counted on to make the right choice. Discerning right from wrong must have taken a great deal out of him, but Holden was able to do it. Salinger brought together all forms of reasoning ethical thought to create a philosophical view for the reader to dwell into.

Another way Salinger grabbed the readers attention? s was by keeping them absorbed in the plot, as well as, Holden? s character. An example of Holden? s crazy actions that was demonstrated well was his attempt to hit Stradlater, ? All I know is I got up form the bed, and then I tried to sock him, with all my might, right smack in the toothbrush, so it would split his goddam throat open? (43).

Although it may seem cynical, this type of action keeps readers entertained and interested in the story. Knowing how crazy Holden can become urges readers to want to follow his progress. Another character trait that attracts the reader is Holden? s capability to lie, ?

The really started chucking the old crap around? (56). Salinger? s attempt to add humor to the plot with Holden? s frequent lying worked to perfection. Holden contributes so much more to the story outline by intertwining lie after lie. To compliment Holden?

s character, are the radical twists and turns or the novel itself, ? ? Here? s my idea we could drive up to Massachusetts and Vermont? ? (132). If only Holden acted out half of what he thought up, the story would be an adventure series. The twists that the story takes because of Holden?

s ideas capture the reader, and subdues them into submission of their mind to the author. Without Holden as the main character, or Salinger as the author, the story would not be the success it is. To say that Salinger was successful in writing a story would be disrespecting him. Only by acknowledging how he was able to bring together both philosophical views as well as entertain can justice truly be done. 32 b

Research essay sample on Holden Salinger