Holden's Use Of Phoniness In Catcher In The Rye

Holden is practically snickering about how amusing he perceives this situation to be, but his bitterness toward others is becoming evident. In the Bible bitterness is described as a root that brings forth destructive fruit. People do not always recognize it for what it is, but its effects are deadly. Bitterness can begin as something minuscule that people do not even notice it, but progressively evolves into something drastic. This is one of the reasons that forgiving others is paramount. Unresolved issues can result in bitterness that annihilates one’s life and those around him/her. Just like in Holden’s case, how his bitterness toward Allie’s death led to the destruction of his mental and physical health. However, bitterness quickly escalates …show more content…
Even though Holden is bringing to light the negative qualities of others, he is despicable as well. At various times in the novel, he tells pointless lies, claims to admire or agree with statements or ideas that he despises; accompanies girls he does not admire, all to attempt to feel less lonely or to avoid direct confrontations. The point is that, yes, people are "phony" and cannot live up to Holden's wish (that the world could become simple), but what is key is that while this "phoniness" is harmful and hurtful, it does not make people evil or worthy of hate. It makes them human. Holden aspires that the world could be inhuman, could be something that it is impossible. He focuses on other people’s flaws instead of on his very own, and judges others while he is not perfect. This was an enormous mistake. Instead of attempting to improve himself, he disregards this and insults others, privately, to increase his self-esteem instead. In life, nothing is perfect. There are constant problems lurking around every corner, but one must face them (not ignore them) to remain healthy and wise because if one focuses on degrading others instead of on his/her own problems, it can pulverize one’s sanity. Once one’s sanity is gone, so is one’s future and prosperity. Holden must realize this to improve himself as a person, mentally and …show more content…
Sure, it is partly a figure of speech, but it is also part of his actual physical aversion to life (life literally makes him nauseous). See, this is depressing. Life is a beautiful thing. From the beauty of one’s creation to the beauty of nature in the beautiful galaxy, life is truly mesmerizing. One can earn an average of fifty thousand dollars yearly, or an average of twenty-nine million yearly, yet this has no effect on the beauty of creation, of nature, or of the galaxy. There are an incalculable amount of activities to partake in, such as water-skiing, working out, sailing, paragliding, skydiving, etc., before one concludes his/her journey on earth. If one goes through life depressed and uninterested in anything, then one is unable to appreciate the one hundred world cultures (everyculture.com) in the world, the diversity of people and animals, the gift of life, and/or many other things. Life becomes meaningless and a constant problem. If this is the case, then there is a serious problem. Life is too great to omit. People are insignificant creatures living in a vast universe on a tiny planet. In the long run, everything people do will probably be forgotten (some might find this depressing, but it should not be). It means that all problems are illusory. In a million years, no one will remember what one did or did not do. What matters is the present moment and enjoying every