Isolation In Catcher In The Rye

Apart from his state of isolation, Holden faces difficulties in his ventures to acquire sexual confidence. Throughout his painful hiatus, Holden portrays his inability to develop lasting romantic relationships. In a clever manner, “the novel provides… a realistic expression of some of the most terrifying fears and anxieties experienced by its adolescent protagonist—essentially a simultaneous fear of… the anticipated responsibilities of adult sexuality” (Bloom 183). Despite Holden’s attempts for affection, he proceeds to destroy all possibilities for love. Holden ultimately identifies as a child thrust into a realm of adult values due to his absence of maturity. Alienated from his family and acquaintances, he receives little support in his endeavors.

After learning of Stradlater’s date with Jane, a beloved childhood companion, Holden immediately grows distraught. He describes his state of apprehension, confessing, “I sat there for about a half hour after he left. I mean I just sat in my chair, not doing anything. I kept thinking about Jane, and about Stradlater having a date… It made me so nervous I nearly went crazy” (Salinger 39). Through his agitated disposition, Holden reveals his sincere worry for Jane and a vulnerable side of his rebellious personality. Holden favors the idea of persevering purity, not neglecting it, and his distress confirms his aversion to wasted innocence. He is not searching for sex, but instead seeks something more honest and wholesome in a relationship. While Stradlater views Jane as an object, Holden distinguishes her as a human being whom he wishes to protect. Karen Tolchin, a sophisticated English professor, also examines his morality, declaring, “Holden seems driven not by a desire for the gratification of his libido but rather by a zeal for a ‘more authentic, more spiritual alternative’ to inauthentic relation” (“Optimism, Innocence, and Angst”). In his search for sympathy, Holden admires character opposed to physical appearance or provocative nature. He exhibits an inclination to favor girls based on their minds, not only their bodies. Other boys Holden’s age, however, do not share the same passionate outlook.