The Catcher in the Rye
by J.D. Salinger
When entering his house, Holden is extremely careful when
going by his parent’s bedroom. Ironically, they are not even home. By talking
with Phoebe, we find out that Holden’s dad can be tough on him when it comes to
school. For example, “ ‘Daddy’ll kill you,’ … ‘No, he won’t. the worst he’ll do,
he’ll give me hell again, and then he’ll send me to that goddam military
school. That’s all he’ll do to me,’ ” (Salinger, 166). As children, we do not
always realize the reasons our parents are tough on us. Holden’s dad obviously
pushes him to succeed and do well in school. Phoebe, as a young child, does not
yet recognize the motive of her father for being tough or “killing” Holden.
Although Holden has a youthful and childlike spirit, he recognizes that his dad
getting mad at him will not be the end of the world. Holden’s dad is tough on
him because of his love for Holden. He wants Holden to be happy and live a good
life. Holden’s dad’s possible reaction might be the result of desperation of
trying to get his son on the right track in life, so he does not live a
purposeless and unhappy life.
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