Salinger brings out the qualities of his main character, Holden Caufield, through his relationships with his siblings in The Catcher In The Rye. Each sibling brings out a different characteristic, and each relationship carries a different meaning. Holden's relationship with his older brother D.B. reveals his complete dislike of the "game" of life and the "phonies" that play it. At first, Holden admired his brother and his work as a writer. Holden read all his stories and novels. This truly expressed his approval of his brother because he only read the books he liked. If a teacher assigned a novel and Holden disliked the author, he would not read it. He does not not like most literature. Then D.B. moves to Hollywood to write movies. Holden sees this career change as selling out and "playing the game." He even compares D.B's work to "being a prostitute"(p.2). This is the lowest from of selling out. To Holden anyone who acts or pretends to be something he is not is a "phony." He sees his brother as a phony for being a big shot in Hollywood. Holden's dislike of these kinds of people spares no one, not even his brother. The way Holden describes his dead brother Allie and their relationship reveals a loving, caring, and troubled Holden. Many of Holden's problems relate to Allies's death. He was so upset at the time that he punched out the garage windows and permanently crippled his hand. This caused Holden to miss the funeral and a chance for closure. Holden never does let go. Allie's poetic baseball mitt reminds Holden of what a wonderful person he was. Holden cannot stand to hear Stradlater make fun of the essay he wrote about the glove for Stradlater, so he tears up the essay immediately. Holden also looks to Allie when he needs help. "Allie, don't let me disappear"(p.198)is all Holden can think as he nears mental breakdown and possible suicide. Holden's relationship with Allie shows that he needs somebody who understands him to help him get through a tough time.
