J.D. Salinger, the author of The Catcher in the Rye, uses...

J.D. Salinger, the author of The Catcher in the Rye, uses the behaviour of protagonist Holden Caulfield to shape his personality in the way he alienates himself from the rest of the world. Holden alienates himself from the society he lives in, his relationships with others and also the relationship he has with himself. Holden struggles to cope with the fact that eventually he will have to grow up and so will everyone around him. Holden see’s the world not being perfect as a huge problem that he alone has to fix because everyone else is too much of a ‘phony’ to do it. The novel explores Holden’s weekend after he got kicked out of his fourth school, Pency Prep, and the struggles he faces with alienating himself. Holden Caulfield alienates†¦show more content†¦Thats one nice thing about carousels, they always play the same songs.† (pg. 189) The carousel that Holden used to visit as a child still played the same song giving him hope that if the carrousel didn’t have to change over a such a long period time maybe he didn’t have to as well. By Salinger describing the young mind frame of Holden it is seen how his obsession with his world not changing can cause him to alienate himself as he feels as though if he is alone, he can control the way his own world works. Holden as a character displays the alienation of himself through his behaviour. Holden is not the same as many people and believes that everyone is a ‘phony’. Throughout the novel Holden realises more and more that he is different and sees the world differently to others around him. Holden has created an identity for himself and doesn’t want that to be diminished therefore he alienates himself from the rest of society to decrease the chances of that happening. Holden’s old school, Pency Prep, has the motto â€Å"since 1888 we have been shaping young boys into splendid, clear-thinking men.† (pg. 2) This increases Holden’s motivation to leave the school as it will be shaping his identity into something he doesn’t want to be; a man. Holden is all about protecting those younger than him from the dangerous world of adult hood and by alienating himself he feels he has a better chance ofShow MoreRelatedF. Salinger s The Catcher Of The Rye1121 Words   |  5 Pagescountries, J.D Salinger’s Catcher In The Rye deals with Holden Caulfield’s past trauma which is the triggering factor in his depression, anxiety and alienation. Holden tells an unnamed person what has happened in the three days prior to his mental breakdown. 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