In what way is loneliness represented as an important them in ‘Catcher in the Rye’ by J.D Salinger?
Our novel opens with the main character, Holden Caulfield standing alone “way the hell up on top of Thomsen Hill.” It’s the Saturday of the last football game of the season, which is the “most important” since it’s the final match. This should be a social event but Holden is on his own. So early in the novel, we’ve already encountered an aspect of loneliness in the main character.
Holden Caulfield, 16, is a psychologist’s wet dream. At a young age he already has little to no stability in his life, leading to him isolating himself. There are various factors which lead to Holden’s loneliness.
Firstly, we see Holden’s attempts at socialisation. Holden’s circle is reserved to rich, privileged, narrow minded kids witch he goes to school with. Holden refuses to socialise with them because they’re “phony”.
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He uses his isolation as confirmation that he’s above his peers and therefore above interacting with them.
As the novel progresses we soon realise that Holden’s lack of human interaction isn’t because he’s above everyone, it’s simply his way of protecting himself. Just like his hunting hat, his seeming arrogance helps protect him from the world. Holden’s interactions usually end with him being upset and overwhelmed, so we can decree that his loneliness is simply another self protection