An Analysis Of Holden’s Emotional Changes In The Catcher In The Rye From The Perspective Of Appraisal Theory

J. D. Salinger’s novel The Catcher in the Rye is one of the most famous novels of thetwentieth century in America. Since it was published in 1951, the novel has gained muchattention from critics. It has been considered one of the American best-beloved andmost-frequently-banned novel. Holden has often been regarded as the typical adolescent inAmerican literature. This study has mainly explored Holden’s emotional changes in TheCatcher in the Rye within the framework of appraisal system, a relatively new theorydeveloped from Halliday’s interpersonal meaning. To some extent, it is new to applyAppraisal Theory into the analysis of the literary work The Catcher in the Rye as it hascaused much controversy since its publication. The present study can not only provide aunique way to appreciate the novel The Catcher in the Rye, but also bring significantimplications for the teaching of literary works.This thesis first gives an introduction to Salinger and the plot of The Catcher in theRye, and then goes over some researches associated with The Catcher in the Rye at homeand abroad. After that, this thesis analyzes Holden’s emotional changes by first selectingthe key events related to Holden and then analyzing them in details by means of AppraisalTheory.Through analysis several features of Holden’s emotional changes have beenconcluded. To begin with, Holden’s anxieties and confusions about sex and death penetratein his three-day experiences. He is always perplexed and overwhelmed by a mixed senseof nervousness, anxiety, bitterness and fear. Second, loneliness is not only the root ofHolden’s great pain but also a driving force. Third, fantasy is a favorite way for Holden todeal with his depression and despair. Finally, when fantasy is crushed, Holden becomes mental breakdown.Next, the current study analyses the various realization of the appraisal meaning inThe Catcher in the Rye. Within attitude system, Holden prefers to use affect andjudgement resources. He has a habit to repeat a few simple words and phrases and he likesusing expletives very much. Within graduation system, it is common for Holden to end histhoughts with‘and all’,‘or something’and‘or anything’. He prefers to add expressionslike‘It really did’,‘I really mean it’and‘I’m not kidding’to emphasize the affirmation hemakes. Except intensifiers, Holden also likes to intensify his views by simply repeatingsome words and expressions. Using italics or partially italicized words is also a way theauthor frequently uses to realize the appraisal meaning of graduation resources. Withinengagement system, Holden prefers to employ entertain and countering resources tofurther explain what he says in order to get the readers to stand with him and share hisviews and emotions. In general, all the appraisal resources interact with each other toreveal the changes of the narrator’s emotion.Through the tentative analysis of the novel The Catcher in the Rye by means ofappraisal theory, the author hopes to offer a unique perspective to appreciate this famousnovel and other literary works.