Salinger's main
character,Caulfield, is an atheist so he doesn't necessarily believe that his brotheris in
heaven as many of his Christian friends and schoolmates may believe. Although he doesn't define
what he believes or where he specifically thinks his brother is after his death, Holden does
cling to Allie's memory. Near the end of the book, in chapter 25, Holden suffers his mental
breakdown and envisions himself talking to Allie in a way that one might pray to God for help.
It is interesting that at Holden's most desperate moment he appeals to Allie rather than
God.
"Every time I'd get to the end of the block I'd
make believe I was talking to my brother Allie. I'd say to him, 'Allie, don't let me disappear.
Allie, don't let me disappear. Please, Allie.' And then when I'd reach the side of the street
without disappearing, I'd thank him"(198).
As far as
cemeteries are concerned, Holden never says that Allie was buried in one, but later, when he is
upset for finding the F-word written on 's school, he makes the comment that "You can't
ever find a place that's nice and peaceful, because there isn't any. . . I think, even, if I
ever die, and they stick me in a cemetery, and I have at tombstone and all, . . . it'll say
'F*** you.' I'm positive, in fact"(204). This shows Holden's negative view about life and
death and that there is no escape from what he suffers.
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