Holden consciously chooses to withdraw himself from society – does not fit in
*Self-protective tactic
Purposefully detaches himself from struggles with the people around him – way to purify him from the phonies of the world
This is how he functions within society
➢ The character, Holden Caulfield alienates himself from society o Chooses seclusion
➢ Or the theme of alienation is revealed through Holden Caulfield, as he consciously retreats from society
➢ Isolation: physically, mentally, and/or emotionally
➢ Isolation is beneficial, yet detrimental o Protects and harms Holden
• Protection – little rejection/minimizes fears of awkwardness/individuality
• Harms – leads to loneliness and depression
• Holden becomes more depressed as he further isolates himself
• Quote 1: “Anyway, it was the Saturday of the football game. […] I remember around three o'clock that afternoon I was standing way the …show more content…
Alone – while majority of Pencey students are at the football game
• Holden stands alone at the top of Thomsen
• Disconnected with school/peers – Holden feels alienated/isolated
• Holden is aloof, detached
• He would rather spend his time alone
• Quote: “Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.’ ‘Yes, sir. I know it is…But if you are on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing. No game” (Salinger, 8). Chapter 2 o Holden and Mr. Spencer (History Teacher) – conversation with Mr. Spencer exposes Holden’s true personality
• Holden chooses to retreat into his own world rather than deal with the problems of the real world
“Wouldn’t you like a cup of hot chocolate before you go? Mrs. Spencer would be- “I would, I really would, but the thing is, I have to get going. I have to go to the gym. Thanks, though. Thanks a lot sir” (Salinger, 15).
• Mr. Spencer embarrasses Holden by reading his final history exam essay
• Conversation (in general) exposes how immature Holden truly
*Self-protective tactic
Purposefully detaches himself from struggles with the people around him – way to purify him from the phonies of the world
This is how he functions within society
➢ The character, Holden Caulfield alienates himself from society o Chooses seclusion
➢ Or the theme of alienation is revealed through Holden Caulfield, as he consciously retreats from society
➢ Isolation: physically, mentally, and/or emotionally
➢ Isolation is beneficial, yet detrimental o Protects and harms Holden
• Protection – little rejection/minimizes fears of awkwardness/individuality
• Harms – leads to loneliness and depression
• Holden becomes more depressed as he further isolates himself
• Quote 1: “Anyway, it was the Saturday of the football game. […] I remember around three o'clock that afternoon I was standing way the …show more content…
Alone – while majority of Pencey students are at the football game
• Holden stands alone at the top of Thomsen
• Disconnected with school/peers – Holden feels alienated/isolated
• Holden is aloof, detached
• He would rather spend his time alone
• Quote: “Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.’ ‘Yes, sir. I know it is…But if you are on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing. No game” (Salinger, 8). Chapter 2 o Holden and Mr. Spencer (History Teacher) – conversation with Mr. Spencer exposes Holden’s true personality
• Holden chooses to retreat into his own world rather than deal with the problems of the real world
“Wouldn’t you like a cup of hot chocolate before you go? Mrs. Spencer would be- “I would, I really would, but the thing is, I have to get going. I have to go to the gym. Thanks, though. Thanks a lot sir” (Salinger, 15).
• Mr. Spencer embarrasses Holden by reading his final history exam essay
• Conversation (in general) exposes how immature Holden truly