The Catcher in the Rye
6. Real World Connections
Throughout my reading of The Catcher in the Rye, I've felt that Holden represents the living embodiment of teenage angst, as his views of the world begin to represent one of cynicism in a blasé manner. Holden is able to identify with modern day teenagers as he goes through the timeless struggles of the American teenager, such as love, loneliness, and the search for one's identity. J.D. Salinger is able to effectively convey these thoughts throughout the novel by using the smallest things in the world from ducks to hunting hats as metaphors for the troubles faced. However, it is noted that Holden views the world differently than his peers do. Holden tries to transcend the world of "phonies" he lives in, yet ultimately fails, as there is much evidence to suggest that even he is a phony.
The Catcher in the Rye represents Salinger's view of the world using Holden as a proxy to make his points.
English: Holden Efijy at the 2007 North American I...
American actor, William Holden
A perfectly reasonable pub, though the decor's a b...Throughout the novel, Holden constantly notes people who are "phonies". Holden's definition of a phony is difficult to explain; his definition of phony includes everything a person does that isn't truly sincere. In reality, the "phonies" of the world are those people who embrace the true nature of the world-- that is, embracing what is expected of them, instead of being who they truly are, and in a sense, Holden's right, for people lose a sense of probity while growing up. In order to survive and be successful in this world one must conform to society's ordinance. Nearly everyone Holden encounters he categorizes as a "phony", and he criticizes them for being like that. While Holden has a strong dislike for the phonies of the world, he has a strong admiration for...