Catcher in the Rye and Huck Finn

All novels contain common elements and qualities. In most cases the plot, conflict, and a narrative voice forms the style of writing. Frequently the incidents told are direct experiences from the narrator himself. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger and Huckleberry Finn by Samuel Clemens employ these characteristics, particularly using a constructive voice, symbolism, and a complex connected sequence of events, dealing with human experiences.

There are many instances in The Catcher in the Rye which deal with such characteristics. The novel is told in first person through the eyes of the narrator, Holden. He recalls the events as a series of flashbacks placing the setting of the story in his mind. Next, there is the repeated use of symbolism throughout the novel. Three major symbols were the ducks, the Museum of Natural History, and Jane Gallagher. While Holden is wandering around New York City, he asks many people about what happens to the ducks in the pond when it freezes. In actuality, the ducks represent Holden wondering about himself. Jane Gallagher and the Museum of Natural History, both represent the theme of the past in two different aspects. Jane Gallagher was an old friend of the past, and he mentions calling her repeatedly throughout the story. She is a significannot

part of his past that he misses a lot, which makes him want to reminisce those times once again. The Museum of Natural History, on the other hand, makes Holden realize he will never be the same as he used to be, and this changes his mind on wanting to return to the past. All of these hidden messages represent Holden, revealing the way he thinks and acts. Throughout the novel there’s continuance of events that deal with human experiences. The novel is based on the story of his nervous breakdown lead by being expelled from Pencey Prep, increasing feelings of loneliness and desperation brought on by the insincerity and ugliness of the adult world, and the tormenting memories of the death of his younger brother Allie.

Huckleberry Finn was also written in first person but through the eyes of the Huck Finn. Huck tells about a series of adventures, making many observations on human nature and the South as he does. The use of symbolism is again portrayed throughout this novel. It is often said that the story of Huck Finn is about Mark Twain himself. Twain’s love for traveling and the Mississippi River are reflected in the novel through the adventures told. Huckleberry Finn was based on a series of consecutive events, which put together the novel. Huck’s adventures begin when he travels down the river on a canoe he found to Jackson’s Island. There he meets up with a runaway slave Jim, whom he knew previously, and they begin