The Catcher in the Rye

In my opinion, the best part of the book The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger was the very end. I have several reasons for why this is, though. The specific part I am talking about is when Holden Caulfield, the main character from whom the story is told, takes his little sister Phoebe to the zoo instead of taking her back to school. At this point in his life, Holden has been kicked out of many private schools. He is afraid to go home and tell his parents, so instead he is living in New York City by himself. Phoebe is the only person who he wants to talk to and who knows his secret. Holden (or, Holden’s teenage boy mind) plans on moving out west and starting a new life to avoid ever seeing his parents or getting in trouble again. Holden and Phoebe are at the zoo, and Phoebe’s excitement and joy finally makes Holden realize that what is most important to him is right under his nose, and he should accept the consequences of his actions. The way J.D Salinger describes the scene makes it sound very cute and something that would happen in a movie. Holden is trying to be “that guy,” and watch Phoebe from far away as she is riding on the carousel. He refused to go with her twice. As Phoebe’s happiness grows, it starts to dawn on Holden what is going on and what he has at risk. Leaving little Phoebe and making her sad and upset would definitely not be worth it. Holden would rather be with her and be the reason that she is happy and having fun. This was my favorite part of the book because it just seemed so cute. The way that Holden loves and admires Phoebe and the way Phoebe listens to and looks up to Holden is so timeless. Plus, it is the solution to the conflict. Phoebe convinces Holden to stay. Finally! It was getting exhausting to have to read the opinions of someone who was wrong. It was refreshing to read him thinking something that made sense.