Final Reading Response: The Catcher in the Rye

Should Holden Caulfield be considered a hero? If not him, who is the books hero?

            J.D Salinger, the author of The Catcher in the Rye, portrays Holden (his main character) as a very immature 16 year-old with a whiny attitude. Holden's personality and thought process make him the opposite of a hero, mainly because he doesn't save anyone, when he himself needs saving. On the other hand, if I had to choose one person from the book to be a hero it would be Holden's 10 year-old sister Phoebe. Phoebe encourages Holden to return to his normal lifestyle and restores life in the Caulfield home.
            One example of how Phoebe is the book's hero is when she gives Holden her Christmas money. "You can take it all, and pay me back. Bring it to the play," is a line that shows her belief in Holden to do the right thing. Holden is thinking of again running away, but Phoebe is giving him this money because she trusts that he'll make the right decision in the end, not only because he would be leaving her, but a good life behind as well.
            An example of why many readers wouldn't classify Holden as a hero is the fact that he runs away from his problems and depends of others for assistance. For example, when Phoebe (his YOUNGER sister) gave him her Christmas money it was all so he could spend a little more time preparing for telling his parents the bad news. Or when he ran away to New York City in the first place. "I didn't want to go home or anything until they got it and thoroughly digested it and all." This quote shows that Holden is a coward, and I don't think anyone who is a coward should be classified as a hero. It also shows that he is weak, and doesn't like to face up to problems that he creates; which is another thing that leads me to believe that he isn't a hero.
            In conclusion, Holden shouldn't be considered the hero of The Catcher in the Rye, because he simply doesn't fit the definition of a hero; a person who is admired or idealized for courage. And from the quotes and examples used, it quite obviously that he isn't very courageous.