As Holden’s complex nature is continues to develop, it is revealed that his self-descriptions are somewhat inaccurate. He portrays himself as someone who is able to get whatever he wants, including cocktails at a bar, when in reality he isn’t. Holden’s overconfidence is shown when he states, “I ordered a Scotch and soda, and told him not to mix it-I said it fast as ---, because if you hem and haw, they think you’re under twenty-one and won’t sell you any intoxicating liquor” (Salinger 78). When the bartender refuses him the drink it is proven that Holden’s trick for appearing older is ineffective. The inconsistency between his perception and reality can cause the reader to question his reliability as a narrator.
In addition to being out of touch with himself, Holden is also out of touch with the world around him. He fails to realize that the girls at the Lavender Room did not take him seriously. He stated, “ I should have given them the freeze, after they did that, but the trouble was I really felt like dancing” (Salinger 78). This statement by Holden implies he believed he was above the girls, and was giving them an opportunity by continuing to pursue them. In reality, the giggling and disengagement of the girls in conversation with Holden show that they were not interested. This incident alludes to the fact that Holden is unaware of his surroundings and oblivious to much of the world around him.
Holden’s characterization can relate to Romanticism and the value of imagination and emotions. His character possesses qualities unique to his individual. Holden’s constant annoyance with change relates to the concept of Romanticism where nature is unchanging. He appears to be on his own path to moral development, as he battles his emotions and copes with pain.
Throughout the events of The Catcher in the Rye, Holden doesn't always play himself up to be the flawless, tough guy. For example, after his fight with Stradlater, he reveals that he's not exactly the best fighter. Why do you feel that Holden would talk about himself this way during this part of the story?
ReplyDeleteI believe Holden's self-descriptions are inconsistent and reflect his complexity as a character. In chapter 10, I think his confident internal monologue reveals his unwillingness to admit the emotional conflicts he is battling. I do agree that at many points in the novel he is shown as a more sensitive character. Another example of this is when Holden is self-depricating, stating, " I'm the only dumb one in the family" (Salinger 75).
ReplyDeleteI appreciated your comment regarding to how Holden´s characterization relates to romanticism and how Holden´s annoyance with change relates. While reading I connected this with the quote when it says, ¨I slept in the garage the night he died, I broke all the windows with my fist, just for the fun of it. I even tried to break all the windows on the station wagon we had that summer, but my hand was already broken and everything by that time, and I couldn´t do it¨ (Salinger 39). This quote shows how Holden doesn´t do well with change. This was a big change in his life and it made him go a little crazy. How do you think Holden will cope with changes that will be presented later in the novel?
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