Critical Lens - Catcher in the Rye

The anonymous quote "All conflict in literature, is in its simplest form, a struggle between good and evil" is exemplified in every piece of literature. This is absolutely true, as every piece of literature has a conflict, and in every conflict can be found one side that can be considered more “good” or more “evil” than the other. Both good and evil influences exist in all people, and we choose between them every day. In literature, the author attempts to show you the difference between good and evil using the characters, story, and interactions. Examples of this idea can be found in Animal Farm by George Orwell, and the Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger.

The Catcher in the Rye, a novel by J. D. Salinger, is a fine example of the quotation. The conflict that exemplifies the battle between good and evil is within Holden Caulfield. Holden is a capable, intelligent kid, but is unable to succeed due to the emotional turmoil within him. Part of him is bitter, depressed, and unwilling to grow up because of the death of Allie, his little brother. This upset part of Holden can be viewed as his “evil” part, trying to hold him back. It is this part of him that makes him choose poor decisions, such as the incident with the prostitute, the fight with Stradlater, and the entire decision to goof off in the city rather than go home. The conflict arises in the story when another part of Holden, the “good” side, fights to mature and grow up. An example of this is when Phoebe wants to accompany Holden to the west, he knows the right thing to do is to stay where he is so he can be a good brother for Phoebe. It is for this that The Catcher in the Rye represents the quotation.