STYLE

In one sense, Salinger was trying to capture the speech patterns of a typical teenager of the 1950s. But language reveals character, and the manner in which Holden expresses himself also gives us many important insights into his personality. His loose, rambling expressions reflect his own inner confusion. He often seems unwilling or afraid to say exactly what he feels, first, because he doesn't know what he feels, and, second, because he's afraid of revealing himself to a world that is either indifferent to him or ready to tear him apart. His language is trite, imprecise, and imitative because of his own lack of self-determination, and because of his inability or unwillingness to communicate with others. His use of the word "really" (as in "It really is") and his repetition of the expression, "if you want to know the truth," reflect his commitment to sincerity, and his drive to dissociate himself from the so- called phonies, who use language to hide from their feelings.

As you read, you'll notice that Salinger frequently italicizes words. This is part of his attempt to accurately duplicate speech patterns-an italicized word is one that is emphasized or stressed when spoken. (Remember that the whole book is really a monologue-an interior monologue-spoken by Holden.) Salinger was one of the first writers in English to frequently use italics to indicate regular spoken emphasis-not just a loud voice or a scream. Many writers have since used the technique.

Table of Contents | Message Board | Printable Version | MonkeyNotes