Examples Of Isolationism In Catcher In The Rye
Patient Holden Caulfield demonstrates signs of depression brought out by Allie and drinking, isolation brought out by phonies and lack of social skills, and lying tendencies brought out by his determination to protect his reputation and the innocence of children. The death of Allie promotes Holden’s depressive states, while his drinking behaviors attempt to cover it up but make it worse. Also, Holden’s isolation is enhanced by his hatred towards people who are phonies in society and his lack of communication skills. Lastly, lying is induced by the need to enhance his self esteem and make him look good, as well as his determination to protect children from losing their innocence. By Holden experiencing depression, isolation and lying tendencies,
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Holden struggles communicating and connecting with society around him. Holden feels that the world is full of phonies and is determined not to become a phony adult. The two things that promote Holden’s isolation are phonies and communication in society. He wants to isolate himself from society, by imagining a world without associating with others. Holden explains how he wishes he was confined from the world: “just so people didn't know me and I didn't know anybody. I thought what I’d do was, I’d pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes. That way I wouldn't have to have any goddamn stupid useless conversations with anybody” (198). Holden feels that if he moves away and pretends to be deaf and nonverbal he will be separated from society and all of his problems will go away. Holden has no desire anymore to have a connection and decides he should just disappear in his own little world. Also, Holden has few personal connections with other people contributing to this isolation. By analyzing Holden, I have concluded that throughout his story, he was reaching out to people, but he could never go through with it. Holden says,“the first thing I did when I got off at Penn Station, I went into this phone booth. I felt like giving somebody a buzz [...] I couldn't think of anybody to call up” (59). This is just another example that shows how concealed Holden is from society. Holden lacks the communication skills needed to feel comfortable talking about his problems or just having a normal conversation. Holden's lack of communication skills due to isolationism contributes to his extreme lying
Holden struggles communicating and connecting with society around him. Holden feels that the world is full of phonies and is determined not to become a phony adult. The two things that promote Holden’s isolation are phonies and communication in society. He wants to isolate himself from society, by imagining a world without associating with others. Holden explains how he wishes he was confined from the world: “just so people didn't know me and I didn't know anybody. I thought what I’d do was, I’d pretend I was one of those deaf-mutes. That way I wouldn't have to have any goddamn stupid useless conversations with anybody” (198). Holden feels that if he moves away and pretends to be deaf and nonverbal he will be separated from society and all of his problems will go away. Holden has no desire anymore to have a connection and decides he should just disappear in his own little world. Also, Holden has few personal connections with other people contributing to this isolation. By analyzing Holden, I have concluded that throughout his story, he was reaching out to people, but he could never go through with it. Holden says,“the first thing I did when I got off at Penn Station, I went into this phone booth. I felt like giving somebody a buzz [...] I couldn't think of anybody to call up” (59). This is just another example that shows how concealed Holden is from society. Holden lacks the communication skills needed to feel comfortable talking about his problems or just having a normal conversation. Holden's lack of communication skills due to isolationism contributes to his extreme lying