Examples Of Sympathy In Catcher In The Rye

Sympathy is one of the main feelings that reveal our humanity and personal values. However, Holden Caulfield, the main character in J.D. Salinger’s Catcher In The Rye, seems like the type of guy that wouldn’t be able to feel sympathy. He has many faults, including depression, excessive lying, suicidal thoughts, and more that could interfere with compassion. In addition, he tends to cover up his emotions so as to not convey his true feelings. Despite these character faults, he still expresses and shows sympathy many times in the book, to many different characters. These moments illustrate his foremost value which is his longing for a better society. Through Holden’s sympathy for Ackley, Sunny the prostitute, and the nuns, J.D. Salinger symbolizes

Holden’s sympathetic feelings for the nuns stem from their lack of wealth. This shows again, his disapproval of life back then, now because of the wealth gaps in the economy. The nuns sit next to Holden in a diner and they all strike up a conversation. Holden observes that they had “very inexpensive looking suitcases” (Salinger 120). The suitcases reminded him of a boy named Dick Slagle whom he used to room with, who had cheap luggage, and was embarrassed about it (Salinger 120-121). This memory meerley strikes the spark but the nuns add the fuel. Holden also observed that “all the two of them were eating for breakfast was toast and coffee” which depressed him because he had a nicer breakfast (Salinger 122). Holden makes a subconscious attempt to bridge the gap in wealth, by trying to “[take] their check off them, but they wouldn’t let [him] pay it” (Salinger 124). While the nuns are unphased by the situation and have accepted their wealth status, Holden’s guilt comes to life and gives him trouble about the inequality of affluence present. Much to Holden’s chagrin, there will always be economic inequity . Again, his thirst for a more idealistic life