Similarities Between Holden Caulfield And Odysseus

The journey of the hero is a long and arduous one, but not all journeys are that of the hero. One novel that is an example of a hero’s journey is The Odyssey by Homer. A novel that is an example of a journey that is very far from a hero’s is Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. The protagonists of these stories may seem different at a glance, but upon further inspection there are many similarities between not only the characters, but also their stories. Holden Caulfield and Odysseus are similar yet different in their personalities, the fact that they both have to deal with death, face intense struggles, become more mature, and go on a journey to change themselves. The comparisons start with the personalities of Holden and Odysseus. Both characters have arrogant tendencies as well as being generally boastful about the

Odysseus is a brave, heroic leader who, when in a pinch, is witty and, depending on his surroundings, very resourceful. On the other hand, Holden is quite sarcastic rather than witty, and constantly depressed. Odysseus is determined in his actions and goals, never wavering, while Holden is apathetic in his studies and avoids home in his journey. Death comes for everyone, yet people are never ready for it, even if it does not come for them. “Many cities of men he saw and learned their minds, many pains he suffered, heartsick on the open sea, fighting to save his life and bring his comrades home. But he could not save them from disaster, hard as he strove— the recklessness of their own ways destroyed them all, the blind fools, they devoured the cattle of the Sun and the Sungod blotted out the day of their return” (Homer 1). Odysseus did not face the death of a family member such as Holden and Allie, however, Odysseus was close with his crew and whenever any one of them died he grieved. Odysseus faced many more deaths in his lifetime, due to the fact that he was