In Greek literature, the theme of a “Tragic hero,” was quite common. From the numerous characters of the Iliad to the Greek plays of Oedipus, the idea of a tragic curve (rise to power, zenith, moment of anagnorisis, and nadir) has been present. The characters of Hector, Achilles, and Oedipus all follow the guidelines of a tragic hero. But as time went on, the theme of a “Tragic hero” became less popular, and new forms of plots arose. But in 1951, J.D. Salinger wrote “The Catcher In The Rye,” and once again wrote a tragic curve, which featured Holden Caulfield as the tragic protagonist.

Holden Caulfield wasn’t exactly what you would call the “Perfect” tragic hero; he didn’t rise to a position of power over any society, like classic Greek tragic Heros did. He was more of an “emotional” tragic hero. Holden’s rise to power, zenith (high point of power,) anagnorisis (moment of insight,) and nadir (fall,) all occurred emotionally, within his mind.

Holden’s rise to power comprises about four-fifths of the book. He is found in many awkward and strange situations that all contribute towards his zenith. From the beginning of the story, Holden is constantly criticizing others’ actions and statements. “I’m pretty sure he yelled ‘Good luck!’ at me. I hope not. I hope to hell not. I’d never yell ‘Good luck!’ at anybody. It sounds terrible, when you think about it.”

Through out Holden’s rise to emotional power, he constantly refers to people as being “phony.” “ ‘How marvelous to see you!’ old Lillian Simmons said. Strictly a phony. ‘How’s your big brother?’ That’s all she really wanted to know.” The main reason that Holden is persistently critiquing others is because he is emotionally unstable. He wishes change upon everything that does not conform with his beliefs.

Despite Holden’s wish to conform everything to his liking, he is always hiding his true identity. Whether he meets someone on a train or in a bar he is constantly handing out false identities. “ ‘Rudolf Schmidt,’ I told her. I didn’t feel like giving her my whole life history. Rudolf Schmidt was the name of the janitor of our dorm.” If one is such a critic of others actions, why would they conceal who they truly are.

In the midst of all the chaos, Holden does eventually come to his zenith. As does the whole scenario, Holden’s zenith differs from that of an ancient tragic Greek hero. His zenith is his high point of power over his mind, as opposed to power over a society.

After getting kicked out of yet another school, trashed in several bars and beaten by a pimp, Holden decides to sneak into his home and see his little sister, Phoebe. Phoebe is extremely excited to see Holden, since he has been away at school. During they’re conversation, Holden is found expressing the most affection for someone or something through out the whole story. This is the Holden’s predominant zenith throughout the story.

From the point of Holden’s zenith, he becomes more and more emotionally unstable and starts down the road of his mental decline. Phoebe finds out that he has been kicked out of school and becomes extremely angry with Holden. Phoebe asks Holden to name one thing that he likes. Holden spaces out and begins to think of James Castle, a former peer; he was thrown from a dorm window. Now that Phoebe is no longer on his side he becomes depressed. “Boy, was she depressing me.”

After Holden’s emotional rise to power and zenith, ensues his moment of anagnorisis, or moment of insight. Holden’s anagnorisis occurs as he is walking up the stairs of his sister’s school. “If you had a million years to do it in, you couldn’t rub out even half the ‘F*** you’ signs in the world. It’s impossible.”

This is Undoubtedly the highest moment of insight expressed by Holden Caulfield. Through out the story Holden has wished change upon everything that does not conform with his beliefs. But now he finally realizes that he can’t change the world. He can’t change human nature. No matter how much he critiques others, they will not change. “It’s impossible.”

Continuing throughout the museum, he comes upon yet another “F*** you” sign. Holden then realizes that no where is perfect. “You can’t ever find a place that’s nice and peaceful, because there isn’t any. You may think there is, but once you get there, when you’re not looking, somebody’ll sneak up and write “F*** you” right under your nose.” In this passage Holden realizes that everything that has composed his life was useless. Always trying to find the perfect place in which he was comfortable, while, in actuality, there was not place such as that. Constantly changing schools and fleeing his current scene has been useless because you can’t truly escape the ugliness of reality and everything it encompasses.

After Holden’s moment of anagnorisis, there is a brief scene with Phoebe in a park. What follows, is very vague. Holden concludes his narration in a very unclear fashion. “That’s all I’m going to tell about. I could probably tell you what I did after I went home, and How I got sick and all, and what school I’m supposed to go to next fall, after I get out of here…” Holden’s descriptions of his current location are very indistinguishable. However it is obvious that he has became mentally sick, and is in an institute of some kind. “A lot of people, especially this one psychoanalyst guy they have here…” This is Holden’s nadir, or fall in the story of “The Catcher In The Rye.”

Holden in this story is definitely not the textbook example of a “Tragic hero,” but certainly contains the characteristics of the “Tragic curve.” Holden’s rise to power, zenith, moment of anagnorisis, and nadir are all present in Holden’s emotional journey. Although Holden’s character is unlike that of a classic Greek tragic Hero, his actions have all brought forth results, which chronologically follow the classic tragic curve; Holden-rex, a tragic hero.