J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. This essay is about the anti-conformity issue in Salinger's famous novel.

Essay by tld007A+, December 2004

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For many people, conformity is the only way to live. To be overlooked, to be 'just one of the guys,' is a very important aspect in their lives. But for others, they simply don't know how to accept to be different. J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye is a story about one kid who is fed up with all the conformists, or phonies. The main character, Holden Caulfield, has just been kicked out of his fourth prep-school. He decides to leave the school on Saturday night instead of Wednesday. His idea is to "travel incognito" to his home city, New York, and await the arrival of the news of his expulsion to his parents. Salinger portrays the insecurity of humans in groups, and how they react to others not like themselves.

Holden's opinion about life deals with his opinion of the person living it. As Holden tries to say goodbye to his school, he decides to visit his sickly history teacher, Mr.

Spencer. After shooting the crap, Mr. Spencer tells Holden, "Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules" (Salinger 8). Holden agrees, though his thoughts are the exact opposite. "Game, my ass. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it's a game alright--I'll admit that" (Salinger 8). Holden isn't one of those hot-shots, the popular kids. He is the intermediary between the outcasts and the hot-shots. Although he is not an outcast himself, he tends to be sympathetic towards them. He feels especially sorry for a kid named Ackley; his poor hygiene habits and rudeness give enough reason for all of the kids to slam the door in his face.

Holden views people who don't speak truthfully as 'phonies.' After arriving...