One of the first parts of the book where we see Holden Caulfield as a virtuous outcast is when he talks about his little brother Allie as Holden works on Stradlater’s essay, “ “(salinger ). It’s clear to see that holden is still depressed by the death of his brother. Holden is stuck in the grieving process, which allows readers to understand his position. Holden’s actions throughout the novel are motivated by his sadness and loss, which is a main example of how Holden is no “whiny brat”, but a virtuous teenager.
Holden embodies the loss of his brother so strongly it drove him into depression. That experience and suffering has matured him, to a point that has forced him to become isolated. Holden is empathetic and sensitive enough to actually be aware of the true deepness of grief. It’s because of this, when he looks at materialistic and shallow teens like Stradlater, and Ackley, it's no wonder Holden calls them “phonies”. Holden says, “ I felt like giving somebody a buzz… but as soon as I was inside, I couldn't think of anybody to call up. so I ended up not calling anybody. I came out of the booth, after about twenty minutes or so.” (Salinger 9.1). Holden doesn't want to deal with anyone being fake, he wanted someone else to be real with him. …show more content…
In an article by Jennifer Schuessler called “Get A Life Holden” an argument is made stating that Holden is just a “spoiled brat”. This just proves how misunderstood Holden is, He understands that he's fortunate but he doesn't go around parading his money Holden says, “All the two of them were eating for breakfast was toast and coffee, That depressed me, I hate it if I'm eating bacon and eggs or something and somebody else is only eating toast and coffee” (Salinger 15.17). He feels guilty about being privileged and it bothers him that everyone doesn't have the same advantages. Never has he used it to say he’s better than someone
Holden embodies the loss of his brother so strongly it drove him into depression. That experience and suffering has matured him, to a point that has forced him to become isolated. Holden is empathetic and sensitive enough to actually be aware of the true deepness of grief. It’s because of this, when he looks at materialistic and shallow teens like Stradlater, and Ackley, it's no wonder Holden calls them “phonies”. Holden says, “ I felt like giving somebody a buzz… but as soon as I was inside, I couldn't think of anybody to call up. so I ended up not calling anybody. I came out of the booth, after about twenty minutes or so.” (Salinger 9.1). Holden doesn't want to deal with anyone being fake, he wanted someone else to be real with him. …show more content…
In an article by Jennifer Schuessler called “Get A Life Holden” an argument is made stating that Holden is just a “spoiled brat”. This just proves how misunderstood Holden is, He understands that he's fortunate but he doesn't go around parading his money Holden says, “All the two of them were eating for breakfast was toast and coffee, That depressed me, I hate it if I'm eating bacon and eggs or something and somebody else is only eating toast and coffee” (Salinger 15.17). He feels guilty about being privileged and it bothers him that everyone doesn't have the same advantages. Never has he used it to say he’s better than someone