Famous Catcher inside Rye Quotes with Analysis

Use these famous quotes from The Catcher inside Rye to debate the novel smartly and acquire the novel's major themes.
Quote: "What I really felt like, though, was committing suicide. I felt like jumping your window. I probably would've tried it, too, if I'd been sure somebody'd cover me up as soon as I landed. I didn't desire a bunch of stupid rubbernecks taking a look at me when I was all gory" (104).
Analysis: Shortly after Holden is assaulted by Maurice, the elevator pimp, he has a bath, travels to bed, and confesses although have rather killed himself than fall asleep. His reason behind not doing the work gives the reader a glimpse into his contradictory nature. He claims he desires to be isolated, yet is overly interested in what all others thinks about him. He wants to die because most people are a "phony" yet would like to live as he doesn't want the "phonies" to evaluate him.




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Quote: "Real ugly Numbers Girls get it tough. I feel so sorry on their behalf sometimes" (85).
Analysis: Holden shows another component of his personality: the ability to empathize with others' suffering. The problem, however, is the fact that Holden assumes everybody is suffering. His feeling sorry for ugly girls also highlights the inner struggle she has with sexual attraction.
Quote: "It's much less bad once the sun's out, nonetheless it only is released when it feels as though coming out" (156).
Analysis: Holden says this in reference to Allie. He feels upset that anybody can go in when it rains, however, not Allie. On another level, it shows Holden's helplessness in managing what's around him. He feels he's no control over how he feels, that things just happen.
Quote: "What I have to do, I have capture everybody if they start to look at the cliff...That's all I'd do for hours on end. I'd just be the catcher in the rye and all. I know it's crazy, but that is the only thing I'd like to be" (173).
Analysis: Holden strives wonderful his might to preserve childhood innocence. What he doesn't understand is that part of growing up is losing that innocence, that he's the main one headed for the fall, knowning that there's nobody there to catch him.
Quote: "Game, my ass. Some game. If you get quietly where every one of the hot-shots are, it's a game, all right'I'll admit that. But if you receive on the other side, and then there aren't any hot-shots, then what's a casino game about it? Nothing. No game" (8).
Analysis: Holden comments around the "game of life," considering it just a game for the privileged. The fact that Holden feels isolated and unfortunate contradicts his charmed upbringing, being the son of a very wealthy lawyer. Despite having usage of a great education and immense wealth, Holden feels isolated and appears upon the rich kids at his schools as a couple of "phonies."
Quote: "The trouble was, that sort of junk is sort of fascinating to watch, although you may don't want it to be" (62).
Analysis: Holden comments on the perverts he sees while staying at the Edmont Hotel. He believes there is something wrong with what they are doing, yet feels strangely attracted. This is another instance where Holden feels helpless to manipulate what is going on around him.
Quote: The guy I like best within the Bible, beside Jesus, was that lunatic and all, that lived inside the tombs and kept cutting himself with stones. I like him significantly as much as the disciples" (99).
Analysis: Here we find, yet again, Holden favoring the outcast instead of the "chosen" ones. What he does not understand is the lunatic is eventually healed. Will Holden be?
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