Conspiracy In The Rye Essay, Research Paper

Conspiracy in the Rye

Jerry Fletcher, a potential Holden Caulfield, resembles Holden almost perfectly. In fact, it seems that Jerry turning into Holden Caulfield. For example, Jerry has his own dilemmas to deal with: ?I have some problems? (Conspiracy Theory). Jerry is a lot like Holden; they both have to escape from something. The only difference is that Jerry is running away from the Central Intelligence Agency, and Holden is running away from all people. This makes both Holden and Jerry a little different from other people. In order for Fletcher to feel that he is a regular person he buys The Catcher in the Rye. Jerry states: ?I have to buy one to feel normal. If I don?t see one, I have to find one to buy? (Conspiracy Theory). This shows how Jerry Fletcher is in touch with Holden Caulfield. He must have the book in his possession at all times, or else he doesn?t feel normal. There are a lot of people who buy and read The Catcher in the Rye. While inside of a Barnes & Nobles bookstore an African-American customer says to Fletcher: ?Catcher in the Rye, it?s a classic, ever read it?? Fletcher replies: ?No? (Conspiracy Theory). This suggests that Fletcher lies, like Holden, to escape from a situation. Fletcher tells the guy that he hasn?t read the book so he will not have to answer any questions about it. Fletcher uses lying as a form of escapism, just as Holden does in The Catcher in the Rye. Perhaps that is why Jerry Fletcher needs to have a copy of The Catcher in the Rye with him. So he can escape and be safe.