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Advances in Linguistics Research
ISSN Print:2707-2622
ISSN Online:2707-2630
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The Charm of the Coexistence of Light and Shadow—A Study of Holden’s Characterization from the Perspective of Personality Theory
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Information:
School of Foreign Languages, Nanchang Hangkong University, Nanchang, China
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Keywords:
The Catcher in the Rye; Holden; Freud; Freud’s Tripartite Personality Structure
- Abstract: The Catcher in the Rye is a novel published in 1951 by the famous American writer J.D. Salinger after World War II, and is one of the most famous American novels of the 20th century. It vividly depicts what the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, sees, hears, and feels during his three days and two nights wandering around New York after his expulsion. In the novel, Holden is a teenager with a distinct rebellious psychology. Beneath his rebellious exterior, Holden must have his own special charm to attract readers, making The Catcher in the Rye an unforgettable classic. This article will analyze Holden’s personality charm in depth to understand his characterization and why he can still be loved by a large number of readers. This paper first summarizes Holden Caulfield’s personality traits, categorizing them into the light side and the shadow side. Building on this foundation, it employs Freud’s personality structure theory to analyze these personality traits to explore what kind of charm Holden possesses. The paper finds that Holden’s charm lies in his uninhibited expression of genuine emotions and steadfast adherence to his ideals, while most people will succumb to reality and hide their emotions and abandon pursuits. Holden’s sincerity and firmness can illuminate our inner true selves, allowing us to identify repressed emotions and aspirations within ourselves, thereby resonating with readers.
- DOI: 10.35534/lin.0803025 (registering DOI)
- Cite: Liu, Q. Y., & Duan, H. Q. (2026). The Charm of the Coexistence of Light and Shadow—A Study of Holden’s Characterization from the Perspective of Personality Theory. Advances in Linguistics Research, 8(3), 295-308.
