My Drawing Utensils

I just thought I would share with everyone the utensils that I use to draw with! Rather than taking a picture though, I decided to sketch them real quick!

Book Analysis: The Catcher in the Rye

So I recently read The Catcher in the Rye in school, and after some symbolism analysis, I decided to talk to you guys about the symbolism of windows in the book. Hope you enjoy, agree with, and hopefully take some more information away from my writing! 

In the allegorical novel The Catcher in the Rye, Holden struggles to find closure with the death of his brother, Allie. He has difficulty maintaining a close relationship with most people because of his failure to reach acceptance with Allie’s death. As Salinger exhibits in many scenes, Holden craves companionship but constantly finds himself pushing away opportunities to befriend others. Throughout the story, Salinger utilizes the symbol of windows to portray Holden’s longing for intimacy and interaction with the people around him. The windows also signify a barrier – all he can do is gaze out the window and watch the seemingly sparkling lives of everyone else go by while he suffers on the inside.

            The windows first appear in Holden’s dorm room, then once again in his hotel room. Both times he stares out the window, longing for things that he cannot obtain without first accepting the death of his brother. Holden gazing out the window in his dorm room is reflective of his desire for friendship with the boys at Pencey. He can see the closeness between students, but is unable to attain that interaction due to his inability to reach acceptance; hence, creating a barrier. In the next scene, as Holden watches the flirtatious couple through the window from his hotel room, he longs for the affection of a romantic relationship. He admits that their amorous behavior is “sort of fascinating to watch,” (62) therefore displaying his genuine feelings about his yearning for companionship.

            Holden’s longing for various relationships is made clear through the examination of the windows. Despite Holden’s wishes for intimacy, his failure to come to terms with the loss of Allie ends up as a barrier preventing him from the closeness he wants and needs the most.