Themes

﻿ Phoniness Throughout the book Holden describes everything about adulthood as being phony. The phoniness in this book is shown through weird or pathetic conversations amongst adults and other observations made by Holden. One of the many examples in the book is when Maurice, a guy selling prostitutes, punches Holden in the stomach because Holden wouldn't pay more than they agreed on. Another example is when Holden visits Ernie's nightclub and overhears a guy telling a girl about every play in a football game while also trying to touch her under the table as she says no. Holden thinks some of the phoniness is comical but, never really sees the phoniness in himself.

Insecurity In the Catcher in the Rye, Holden hides his insecurity by pushing people away. Holden feels like he can't fit in with the world or find his place. Holden enjoys the feeling of isolation throughout the story. He uses excuses such as calling everyone phony to get away from others. He doesn't see himself as worth much and is too insecure to do the one thing he really longs to do, call Jane.

﻿Loneliness Holden is lonley during his adventure throughout New York. Holden attempted to make a phone call upon his arrival but, couldn't think of anyone to call. He also tried to hookup with a girl he didn't know just to have someone therefore accepting a prostitute to visit his room. Holden wants a companion but, because he enjoys isolation, he pushes everyone away. When Holden is around people he insults them. He went on a date with Sally Hayes and it ended abruptly when he insulted her out of aggrivation and left without her.  Fear Holden's main fear is growing up. He doesn't understand a lot about adulthood and he avoids admitting his fear by blaming everything as being phony. Holden's assumptions and accusations gradually make him seem more like the people he believes to be phony. An example in the book of him being fearful is how he admitted not understanding sex's purpose. Holden is scared of letting anymore kids be exposed to the phoniness and cruelty of adulthood. He creates an idea in his mind to become the //catcher in the rye// so he can keep the newer generation safe. Holden soon enough realizes the impossibility of helping kids maintain their innocence and decides it's best to let life run it's course.

﻿ Death

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Holden has trouble coping with the thought of his brother passing. Allie, Holden's brother, passed away at a very young age due to cancer. The night Allie died Holden spent the night in his garage and smashed all of the windows. Throughout the story Holden briefly mentions memories and regrets of the past. Before leaving school, he writes a paper based on Allie for Stradler's homework assignment. Holden also briefly mentions a memory of himself excluding a BB gun bike trip with his friend Bobby Fallon. Holden feels sorrowful. ======