The Catcher in the Rye: Little Shirley Beans

In about the late middle of the novel, Holden recalls hearing this album called “Little Shirley Beans.” I know a lot about classic vinyl albums because I collect and listen to them as a hobby, and I thought this was very interesting. Since this book was written and was set sometime in the forties or fifties, all they had was forty-five records to listen to for music and entertainment. Holden casually describes this story, or song rather, as an everyday entertainment object such as a movie, book, or CD would be in today’s world. It gave me a completely new perspective as to what the time period was like when Holden was stomping around New York. As soon as I read it, it felt like a little switch flipped on in my head making me think of the surroundings in New York as entirely different. Before, I imagined Holden’s surroundings as pretty much the same as today’s New York, which is a bit silly as I think about it. However, after reading that little section, I thought of it as I think of New York in the “olden days.” Anyway, back to the fact of Holden actually giving Phoebe the album. He bought it in the park I believe, but that is not really the point. Once he purchased it to give to Phoebe, he was so excited because he knew Phoebe would just love it. It turns out that it broke into a bunch of shattered pieces by the time he got it to her. Now I feel dumb for not remembering how it happened exactly, but it happened nevertheless. Phoebe loved Holden’s gift even if it was smashed into bits. I think this shows both sides of Holden. On one hand, Holden is being very mature by thinking of his dearest sister Phoebe and buying her a gift. However, he exhibits his immaturity by breaking it and giving it to her regardless of its poor condition.