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Metaphors
Definition of Mood
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect of a piece of writing... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes in the reader. Every aspect... read full definition
The mood of a piece of writing is its general atmosphere or emotional complexion—in short, the array of feelings the work evokes... read full definition
Mood
Explanation and Analysis:
Salinger makes tiny adjustments and some sudden abrupt changes to the mood throughout The Catcher in the Rye to influence how the reader thinks and feels about Holden and his experiences. The novel starts with an air of disillusionment and sarcastic, tongue-in-cheek humor as Holden begins to talk about his expulsion from school, his life in New York and his preferred reading material. He seems like a quintessentially angry, frustrated teenager as it starts.
As the story progresses, the reader starts to understand the reasoning behind some of Holden’s actions and to feel some of his grief and melancholy, especially when Holden reflects on his desperate grief after his brother Allie died. When Holden tells the story of breaking all the windows in the garage the night his brother passed, they feel his immense sadness and helplessness. The fact that the information is revealed abruptly—it’s almost an afterthought when he finally mentions Allie’s death—also contributes to this mood shift. It’s as though Holden has been suppressing it but can’t do so any longer, so the sardonic mood of the early chapters suddenly “bursts” and withdraws for a while.
Salinger also includes moments of warmth and hopefulness, especially when Holden is first in the Museum of Natural History, when he thinks about his younger sister, Phoebe, or when he hears the child who sings “The Catcher in the Rye” in the street. Scenes like Holden’s interactions with Phoebe and this musical interlude remind the reader that Holden is still a very young person and that he’s going through terrible grief. These softer points offer a contrast to the protagonist’s otherwise cynical outlook: they’re part of Salinger’s attempt to represent the nuances of Holden’s character.
Toward the end of the novel, the mood becomes slightly more optimistic, suggesting that Holden might find some peace even if it isn’t permanent. The reader knows Holden will have to grow up and become “phony,” but this fate seems less distressing now that Holden has acknowledged that “phoniness” doesn’t have to be all-encompassing.
Related Themes:
