The Catcher in the Rye

by

J. D. Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye: Paradox 1 key example

Definition of Paradox
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar Wilde's famous declaration that "Life is... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel of truth or reason. Oscar... read full definition
A paradox is a figure of speech that seems to contradict itself, but which, upon further examination, contains some kernel... read full definition
Chapter 3
Explanation and Analysis—Quite Illiterate:

Settling down with a book he “took out of the library by mistake,” Holden makes a paradoxical statement when describing his relationship with reading:

The book I was reading was this book I took out of the library by mistake. They gave me the wrong book, and I didn’t notice it till I got back to my room. [...] I thought it was going to stink, but it didn’t. It was a very good book. I’m quite illiterate, but I read a lot.

When Holden claims, "I’m quite illiterate, but I read a lot," he’s creating a contradiction. This is because the word "illiterate" typically means someone who cannot read. Holden's paradoxical assertion here reflects his damning self-perception and insecurities. When Holden says he’s "illiterate," he’s not actually saying that he can’t read; it’s a misuse of the word. He thinks it means he’s not very literary, as he doesn't know a lot about literature. This mistake is also implied by the qualifier “quite,” which itself intensifies the paradox: one usually can read or cannot.

When Holden says he’s “illiterate,” he’s implying that he knows he lacks the cultural sophistication he wishes to get. It’s a self-deprecating comment addressed to his audience, a moment where he shows both his internal struggle with feeling inadequate and his tendency to downplay his own intelligence. The paradox Holden creates here also reveals his complex relationship with reading itself. Despite feeling uncultured, he finds solace in books. He also knows that it’s likely he’ll gain cultural capital by reading. Given this, his huge appetite for books demonstrates his desire to connect with the world, even if he doubts how smart he really is.