J.D. Salinger definitely uses the humor tone to keep reader interested in his novel. Holden's take on most of the people around him and the experiences that he goes through are very humorous. It is very strange how Holden can see so much humor in even the worst situations he is handed. "God, my old heart was damn near beating me out of the room. I wished I was dressed at least. It's terrible to be in your pajamas when something like that happens." (Salinger 101). Holden had recently given money to a strange man in an elevator to hire a prostitute. When the prostitute came to his door, Holden felt very uncomfortable and did not do anything with her. When the elevator man, Maurice came to collect his money, he asked for more then he originally told Holden. When Holden does not give him the money, Maurice becomes threatening. Holden is scared but tries to joke in his mind about the fact that he is still in his pajamas.
Another moment when Holden uses humor before he goes and meets a sort of friend from school, Carl Luce. Holden goes to the movies, but he seems to not be in the mood to enjoy them, so he let his mind wander. Holden bring up this old memory of him and his younger brother, Allie. They used to always want to be like the kettle drum player in the orchestra. Holden even mention that one time, Allie even tried to send a postcard to the drummer, but was insure of how to address it (Salinger 138).
Holden has mentioned in the book, that he lies all of the time, and it is brought up quite a few times. One time Holden is trying to get up to his apartment to visit his sister without his parents knowing. This whole scene his humorous from Holden lying to the doorman about a limp to go to his neighbors, to Holden trying to sneak past his parents room by bring as quiet as possible.
Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 1951. Print.
No comments:
Post a Comment