Catcher In The Rye Loneliness Analysis

Loneliness is a state many have experienced, but it is scarcely felt to the point of insanity and utter hopelessness. In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield’s loneliness is a self-defense mechanism from socializing with others, making it the greatest source of his pain. Though his loneliness is caused by uncontrollable external forces, it is only overcome by his own choice of introspection.

Initially, Holden did not chose to be lonely. Instead, it was forced upon him by toxic family dynamics and tragic circumstances. The narrative begins in media res, with Caulfield mentioning his image-conscious parents. He says they would have “two hemorrhages apiece” if anything personal was said about them (1). Since his parents are

He sees himself as the useless member of the family, and states that he’s “the only dumb one in the family” (67). The most heartbreaking cause of Holden’s loneliness is the death of his young brother, Allie, to leukemia. The brothers’ connection is shown through the symbol of Allie’s red hair, which Holden could have a “hunch” for even if Allie was sitting “a hundred and fifty yards” away (38). The cut of a bond this deep devastates Holden. Unfortunately, because of his inactive parents, he deals with it through anger and isolation that is symbolized by the red hunting hat he wears. When the hat is pulled to the front, he cannot “see a goddam thing” and says he’s “going blind” (21). The pain from Allie’s death pushes Holden to seclude himself from a world he sees as cold and ominous. More importantly, it prevents him from looking at his own mind and realizing Allie is the reason he is lonely. As if losing own brother wasn’t enough, Holden also loses the presence of his older brother D.B.. The conflict begins when he leaves Holden by moving to Hollywood, and Holden says D.B. will only “maybe” drive him home after his therapy ends (1). Besides his physical absence, D.B. lost Holden’s respect by leaving

The failure to do this leads to missed opportunities for recovery. Nowhere is this greater emphasized than in his relationship with Jane Gallagher, the only character similar to Holden while having the ability to save him. The motif of games is shown when he remembers that Jane always kept her kings in the back row when playing checkers. She tries to keep the game moving forever just how Holden desires to remain a child forever. Like Holden, she also comes from a toxic family environment, keeping her kings in the back is a sign of possible sexual abuse from her alcoholic stepfather. Her ability to save Holden is recognized when he states metaphorically, “I don’t want you to get the idea she was a goddam icicle or something” (79). Going along with the motif of vision, Holden is unable to see that an icicle girl, who is still moving and not a frozen fish, is exactly what he needs. Nevertheless, his continued practice of never explaining himself is symbolized when he pretends he has a bullet in his guts and keeps his hand under his jacket “to keep the blood from dripping” (150). He wants to call Jane, but realizes he isn’t “much in the mood” for it (150). It’s important to note that Jane alone cannot save Holden or else she would actually been in the book. What can save him is his own decision to self-analyze and realize he has to call Jane. Holden has a wave of epiphanies at the end. In a moment of insight, he says