Is there anything going on in Holden's life that he likes, or that he is happy with? This is a very arguable question, and the answer very well may flunctuate during the novel. Holden does not seem to think about his happiness level often, but towards the end of the novel his sister stops him and asks him if he likes or is happy about anything. There are, however, at least three things throughout the novel that Holden is happy with. Although one of them is obvious, one may have to look deeper into Holden to grasp either of the other two.
Holden likes his little sister Phoebe and is obviously happy with his relationship with her. He talks to her about a lot of stuff he can not say to most others, and genuinely seems to respect her more than every other character in the book. He does not seem to question the way she acts, or if she is a phony. However, she does question him at times. "You don"t like anything that's happening," she says (Salinger, 169). They argue, and she asks him to name something he likes. Holden becomes preoccupied and doesn't respond. He tells her that he liked Allie, and eventually the conversation ends with the two siblings being angry. Phoebe is only angry because she is upset for Holden, and she wants him to be happy and have things in his life that he does like. They love and respect each other, which is why Holden enjoys his relationship with his sister. And he never accuses her of being a phony. .
Holden also likes New York. He is happy being there, getting away from things back home; the city is almost like an escape for him. Although he does not state the fact that he likes the city or the lifestyle, it is the one thing that Holden seems to not criticize. The city life seems to help Holden grow up a little bit; he has many different experiences and encounters. He likes to go out to clubs, even if he does not like the people there. He does not even seem to like to drink that much, but does it to sort of fit in.
Holden has been falling since the death of his brother. ... Allie was Holden's younger brother by two years, but by the way he spoke of Allie, you could tell that Holden thought very much of him. ... (pg. 104, ch. 14) Holden wants to be somebody stronger than he is, he doesn't want to be "just Holden", he wants more. ... Antolini, who gave Holden some meaningful advice. ... Since Allie's death, Holden's life changed. ...
It is in this way that Holden truly becomes the reader's hero. ... Phoebe Caulfield, Holden sister who he very much likes, he gets in contact with where Holden tells his inner most feelings and problems. ... Holden saw this in most of the people he met. ... The museum is important for Holden because it makes him think of kids. ... Holden tries to protect the innocent children. ...
Holden read all his stories and novels. ... The way Holden describes his dead brother Allie and their relationship reveals a loving, caring, and troubled Holden. ... Holden never does let go. ... Phoebe, Holden's ten-year-old sister, is the only one who can understand and communicate with Holden. ... s relationship with Holden explains Holden's dislike of phonies. ...
Holden's life is tormented by his constant search for the ideal. ... Allie is introduced as the nicest member of Holden's family. ... In some instances it is as if Holden is living in the past. ... Another person Holden holds in high esteem is Jane. ... In reality, Holden just wants to be accepted. ...
Through the innocence of his youth Holden views the world as hypocritical and corrupt. ... Holden can't find a place for himself in the world so he makes up an imaginary one. ... When Phoebe rides the carousel in Central Park, Holden begins to confront his fears. ... Holden seems to have come to terms with his problems. ... Holden has started reevaluating what is important in his life. ...
In the Catcher in the Rye, by J.D Salinger, the relationship between Holden and his brother Allie conveys a loss of a meaningful connection and Holden's identity. ... Allie's death caused Holden to build a relationship with Phoebe and affected Holden's mind, and Holden felt like he had a shadow casted upon him with academics. ... Holden makes it clear that he thinks he is the dumb sibling. ... Holden's old teacher, Mr. ... The people that Holden cares about, Phoebe and Mr. ...
Holden is a young man of age seventeen. ... Three men stand out as possibilities to play this invaluable part of "wise old man" in Holden's confused life, Holden's father, Mr. ... Also, Caulfield repeatedly insulted Holden about his immaturity and yet never told Holden how to act mature. ... When Holden arrives, Antolini is already "a little oiled up", and, with highball in hand, offers Holden a cigarette. ... Later on, though, Holden wakes to find Antolini sitting next to him, half-dressed, highball in hand, stroking Holden's hair. ...
