Holdens Self-Alienation In The Rye - 956 Words

While Holden’s academic negligence and evasive tactics are firm exemplars of his desire to hold on to his childhood, they are not as prominent as his self-alienation contrivances throughout the novel. A prime example of this, is his red hunting cap, which dually serves as a symbol of his individuality and nonconformism, because of the peculiar style of the hat and the manner in which he wears it â€Å"with the old peak swung way around to the back† (Salinger 18), as well as his attachment to childhood and bitterness. Holden mentions it is a â€Å"people shooting hat† (Salinger 19), which shows how deeply he is affected by the exclusion and victimization he feels from the world around him. It also uncovers the sense of superiority he identifies with,†¦show more content†¦He isolates himself to say that he is above everyone else and interactions with them, but in actuality he is distraught and overwhelmed because he is often not taken seriously or listened to. For example, when he asks a cab driver about where ducks go in the winter and after that, to join him for a cocktail and he is shut down and made to feel silly for asking: I m so damn absent-minded, I gave the driver my regular address, just out of habit and all--I mean I completely forgot I was going to shack up in a hotel for a couple of days and not go home till vacation started. I didn t think of it till we were halfway through the park. Then I said, Hey, do you mind turning around when you get a chance? I gave you the wrong address. I want to go back downtown. The driver was sort of a wise guy. I can t turn around here, Mac. This here s a one-way. I ll have to go all the way to Ninedieth Street now. I didn t want to start an argument. Okay, I said. Then I thought of something, all of a sudden. Hey, listen, I said. You know those ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South? That little lake? By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks, when it gets all frozen over? Do you happen to know, by any chance? I realized it was only one chance in a million. He turned around and looked at me like I was a madman. What re yaShow MoreR elatedAnalysis Of Salinger s The Catcher Rye 1074 Words   |  5 PagesSalinger’s The Catcher in the Rye has been pronounced a literary classic for its atypical portrayal of adolescence, to effectively convey the protagonist’s alienation and confusion. The introduction of The Catcher in the Rye is underpinned by disorder and confusion through a stream-of-consciousness narration, which digresses from one subject to another. Consequently, Holden’s multitudinous thoughts and feelings appear to lack a cohesive pattern. Additionally, Holden’s prevalent ascription of otherRead MoreTheme Analysis of Alienation in Books the Catcher in the Rye and 19841390 Words   |  6 PagesAlienation sometimes called estrangement is a psychological, sociological or Philosophical-anthropological category, largely derived from the writings of Hegel, Feuerbach and Marx. When one is not accepted by society, he becomes an Outsider to everyone around him. Alienation refers to an individuals estrangement from traditional community or others in general (social isolation), the dominant values of society, or even themselves (self-estrangement), but in General the term impliesRead MoreHow Salinger’s Holden Caulfield Relates to Teenagers Throughout Time1412 Words   |  6 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye was #1 on the New York Time’s bestseller list. Since then, the American Literary Association claims The Catcher in the Rye is a â€Å"favorite of censors.† The use of harsh language and profanity has been a long time debate of educators causing the novel to be pulled off bookshelves and propelling J.D. Salinger and his protagonist, Holden Caulfield, into reluctant fame. The translation of the book into many other languages speaks to the relevance of Holden’s teenage experienceRead MoreSalinger s The Rye 1527 Words   |  7 PagesCatcher in the Rye is a novel written by J.D Salinger, it follows 17-year-old Holden Caulfield throughout the days following his expulsion from Pencey Prep. The book dives into Holden’s unstable mind as he recounts his story from a rest home, often feeling confused, lost and mad at the world. This underlining theme of teenage angst has become very popular and finds itself in various works of modern day media such as the television show the Fosters. The Fosters follows the story of a similarly troubledRead More Catcher in the Rye Essay1244 Words   |  5 PagesCatcher in the Rye Catcher in the Rye: A Coming of Age Tale This novel explores many themes that are commonly felt by teenagers. Salinger’s novel discusses Holden’s stand against phoniness. Another major theme running through the novel is self-loathing, and while it may not be quite that extreme in all cases, most teenagers go through the â€Å"awkward† stage. Loneliness is also expressed in the novel. Every teenager goes through a time were they feel like they’re alienatedRead MoreAnalysis Of Salinger s The Rye 1561 Words   |  7 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger takes the reader on a journey through the main character’s life, Holden Caulfield, as we watch his mental health deteriorate because he cannot accept his transition into adulthood. As Holden ventures through the streets of New York after being kicked out of his school, the reader is shown how mentally unstable he is, and is able to experience his road to acceptance. Salinger has managed this through the use of symbols and recurring devices that represent theRead MoreThe Themes of The Catcher in the Rye840 Words   |  3 PagesConsidered one of the best novels of the 20th century, The Catcher in the Rye has affected readers around the globe since its publication in 1951. Its contemporary critics, however, gave the novel mixed reviews. Compared to the ideals of 1950s America, Holden Caulfield, the emotionally immature, extremely judgmental, teen-aged main character of â€Å"Catcher,† embodies the antithesis. Holden was an affront to the new social order, which demanded conformity and propagated the â€Å"father knows best† mentalityRead MoreExamples Of Alienation In Catcher In The Rye825 Words   |  4 PagesJ. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye explores Holden Caulfield’s alienation and its ability to influence his thoughts and actions. Holden’s distorted perception of reality manifests itself following the death of his younger brother Allie, whom he loved and idolized dearly. Allie’s death wreaks havoc on Holden’s mental state, causing him to develop a cynical worldview. His delusional behaviors are compounded by his expulsion from multiple schools and his decision to independently roam the streets ofRead MoreHolden Caulfield s The Catcher Of The Rye1493 Words   |  6 PagesJerome David Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, describes Holden Cau lfield’s journey to understand the complexities of growing up and his purpose. In the beginning, he is in a mental hospital somewhere near Los Angeles and is writing about this â€Å"madman stuff† to a psychoanalyst. Holden flunked out of Pencey Prep and leaves his dormitory to go on a journey around New York to find his way through post-war New York society. At the same time, he is suffering from depression and is on the vergeRead MoreSelf Destructive Behavior : Protection And Compassion815 Words   |  4 PagesMakoto Toyoda Catcher In The Rye FLE Dr. Loonam 10/26/14 Self Destructive Behavior: Protection and Compassion In Catcher In The Rye, Salinger uses Holden’s need of human contact to illustrate the problem of his self-alienation. His self-alienation is detrimental, ultimately blocking him from what he truly wants. Holden thinking he is better than others, which distances him from others and also hurts others in the process.