Holden Caulfield of The Catcher in the Rye spends most of his time and energy being cynical towards the phoniness of the world around him. Author J.D. Salinger uses the word “phony” numerous times throughout the novel to highlight Holden’s resentment against liars and individuals who share different values or beliefs than him. Additionally, the author uses the word phony to express Holden’s resentment against the pressures and stereotypes placed on teenagers by society. In the novel, Holden is easily enraged by many aspects of life including his school, Pencey, which focuses on “molding boys into splendid and clear-thinking young men.” The teenager who is quick to make negative judgements believes the school is no better at “molding” boys …show more content…
Although Holden considers his school liars for not fully implementing their motto, he also labels himself ‘the most terrific liar.” Consequently, in almost every situation, Holden finds a way to develop fictitious stories of his life to avoid speaking the truth. On a train ride to New York, Holden encounters mother of classmate Ernest Morrow and creates a fake identity to falsely praise her son, who he actually considers the “biggest bastard” at Pencey. Holden’s inability to remain honest displays how he is no different than the classmates he criticizes for sharing only certain aspects of themselves to the rest of the world. Additionally, during the novel there are many times where Holden acts opposite to his own beliefs. In one situation, Holden criticizes dorm neighbour Ackley for disrupting his privacy by unwantedly barging into his room. However, after a fight with roommate Stradlater, Holden is left alone and searching for companionship forces himself into Ackley’s room spending hours sleeping on the spare bed in his room. Additionally, Holden’s contradicts many of his own judgements by forgetting to follow his moral values. When roommate Stradlater brags about sexual advancements he made with Holden’s former crush Jane, the teenager feels disgusted by the sexual relationship