The Catcher in the Rye

What might Holden's choice of language reveal about his personality? Be sure to include examplesof his word choice and make the connections to his personality trait

Chapter 1

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In Chapter 1, J.D. Salinger has his protagonist begin The Catcher in the Rye with a bold and sarcastic declaration. Holden immediately rejects the idea that the events that he describes in the novel consist of his life story or that this story is indicative of any larger message. He uses the language of a jaded teenager, almost annoyed that he must write to an audience like the reader,

"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know..."

He holds a tone of scorn for his audience with a sense of neediness. This tells us that despite his adult-like musings, he is still very much an adolescent lost in his angst.