The Carhcher in the Rye: Voice

One particular reason why the character of Holden seems so fascinating is because he seems so real. His thoughts are deep and thought provoking and real. He sees things about real life situations and then convey them in a new light. One way he seems more real to me is the voice that J.D. Salinger gives him. Phrases like, "Cor Chrissake" and "it really killed me" are so common that I developed a familiarity with Holden's voice. He uses "goddamn" so often as an adjective that I almost start saying it automatically in my head before words. Then there is his favorite adjective to describe people he knows. Holden always says "old so-and-so". For example, " 'Now listen,' old Sally said..." or, " 'Shut up,' old Maurice said, and fave me a shove." Holden talks like a real person and he thinks like a real person, a very different and intellectual person. He uses this intellect to pose questions to everyday life and common societal flaws. At the same time, he is very bizarre, which frankly makes the internal dialogue of his thoughts all the more interesting.