Although he is intelligent and sensitive, Holden narrates
in a cynical and jaded voice
. He finds the hypocrisy and ugliness of the world around him almost unbearable, and through his cynicism he tries to protect himself from the pain and disappointment of the adult world.
How does Salinger relate to Holden?
Salinger wrote Catcher in the Rye in 1951 and then spent the rest of his life running away from its central character, Holden Caulfield. He didn’t want to talk about the book, what it meant, or how it figured into his own similar upbringing. He even wrote short stories and novellas that tried to put the idea of J.D.
How does Salinger characterize Holden’s relationship with Jane?
Holden’s relationship with Jane is
rather curious
. … Holden, then, regards Jane as a close friend and is probably deeply attracted to her. However, he can never bring himself to even phone her.
How does Holden characterize himself?
Throughout the book, Holden often uses words like “crazy” and “depressed” to describe himself. This could be seen as just a typical teenager battling issues of identity, but it becomes clear that Holden is actually
suffering from depression
.
What is Salinger trying to tell the reader about Holden?
Holden wants
to be a catcher in the rye to save people from throwing themselves over a cliff
. Perhaps he wants to warn people, especially young people, about the phoniness of the socially constructed roles you must play in order to have success.
Why did Holden Kiss Jane?
Jane was upset because her stepfather was abusing her. Holden’s reaction was to sit next to her and put his arm around her. But instead of just comforting her, he begins to
kiss her all over her face
. He confuses lust with sympathy.
Why did Holden leave Ernie’s so abruptly?
Why does Holden leave Ernie’s? Holden leaves Ernie’s
because Lillian is becoming annoying
. He would rather leave then spend more time talking to her. … Holden becomes unimpressed with him and leaves.
Why does Holden characterize himself as a liar?
Holden calls himself a liar
because he tells Mr. Spencer a white lie to get out of having hot chocolate with him
. Holden then muses, I’m the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life.
What is Holden’s weakness?
The first weakness to note about the character of Holden Caulfield is
his judgemental tendencies
. Throughout the first ten chapters this weakness becomes increasingly frequent.
What does Holden not like about himself?
In some instances Holden could be described as a pacifist because although he often feels like hurting others, very rarely does he act upon those feelings. One of the things Holden hates the most are
phonies
. This is slightly ironic because Holden himself displays phony-like characteristics.
Why is Holden unreliable?
Overall, Holden is an
unreliable narrator
Why did Holden visit Mr Spencer?
Holden decides to visit Mr. Spencer in the beginning of the novel in order to say goodbye to the teacher. Holden feels that he should say goodbye to Mr. Spencer because
he is the only teacher that Holden actually liked at Pencey
.
Who comes to Holden’s door when he is in bed?
In his pajamas, Holden opens the door to face the burly elevator operator,
Maurice
, who has returned with Sunny to collect the extra five dollars Sunny demanded.
Does Holden Caulfield lose his virginity?
Holden Caulfield does not lose his virginity during
the course of The Catcher in the Rye, though he makes some half-hearted attempts to do so.
What is wrong with Holden Caulfield?
Holden Caulfield suffers from
post traumatic stress disorder
. The fictional cause is the death of his beloved little brother, Allie. The reason that The Catcher in the Rye is so powerful is that it is a true book (I don’t say that it is a true story). … Salinger, himself, and Holden’s PTSD is Salinger’s PTSD.
Why did Holden never call Jane?
3. One reason why he doesn’t call Jane is
because Holden has this image of Jane being this young girl who keeps all her kings in the back row and she’s young and authentic
. Holden clearly has feelings for Jane because he tried to call her a couple of times when he had nothing to do.
