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CHAPTER IV ANALYSIS
This chapter is divided into two parts. The first part is the intrinsic elements motifs analysis and binary oppositions based on the motifs found in the text. The
second part is the structuralism analysis which explains how the binary oppositions become the narrative structure of the novel.
The study is supported by the idea that one of structuralism ‘s job is to
―analyze mainly prose narratives, relating the text to some larger containing structure, such as a notion of narrative as a
complex of recurrent patterns or motifs‖ Barry, 2009: 48. By seeing the repeating theme, the underlying structure of the given work
can be fleshed out. Finally, how the text makes meaning for itself can be understood as it is supposed to be in structuralism analysis.
A. Binary Opposition Examined through the Motifs in The Catcher in the Rye
Cuddon 1998: 522 defines motif as ―one of the dominant ideas in work of
literature; a part of the main theme —it may consist of a character, a recurrent image
or a verba l pattern‖. Through close reading of the novel, four motifs are observed,
they are: 1 teacher visit, 2 physical fight, 3 rejected sexual desire, and 4 curiosity. The motifs in
J.D. Salinger‘s The Catcher in the Rye mostly deal with the repetition of plot events. The similarities of recurring events are described in the
following explanation in order to show the recurrent pattern of the novel.
1. Teacher Visit
In the course of the novel, Holden visits his two teachers, Mr. Spencer and Mr. Antolini. The
patterns of the plots related to Holden‘s visits are similar: Holden expects to be understood by adults teachers, but they lecture and disappoint him.
a. Mr. Spencer visit
In the beginning of the novel, Holden gets kicked out from his school and tells the reader that he has a terrible day. He stands alone in the Thomsen Hill, and
suddenly he remembers that he needs to meet his teacher, to
―say good-by to old Spencer, my history teacher‖ J.D. Salinger, 2010: 3. Mr. Spencer writes letter to
Holden saying that Mr. Spencer wants to see Holden before Holden goes home. Holden knows that Mr. Spencer gets influenza and decides to see him as soon as
possible. It is clear that Holden makes attempt to communicate with Mr. Spencer.
When Holden comes to Mr. Spencer‘s house, he notices Mr. Spencer and his wife live separately, that ―they each had their own room and all‖ Salinger, 2010: 7.
In the course of the novel, Mr. Spencer‘s wife is not involved in the conversation between Mr. Spencer and Holden Caulfield. This tiny detail will be repeated in
Holden‘s next meeting with the other teacher. Holden regrets
visiting Mr. Spencer‘s because he knows that his expectation to have a good conversation is not going to happen. Holden realizes that ―the minute I
went in, I was so rt of sorry I‘d come‖ Salinger, 2010: 8. Instead of showing support
to Holden, Mr. Spencer lectures Holden about getting kicked out from school. Holden recognizes that ―all of sudden then, I wanted to get the hell out of the room, and I
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