How does Holden characterize himself?

Throughout the book, Holden often uses words like “crazy” and “depressed” to describe himself. This could be seen as just a typical teenager battling issues of identity, but it becomes clear that Holden is actually suffering from depression.

What is Holden’s behavior?

Holden’s self-proclaimed deceitful nature, reckless behavior, and desire to save the young portray ineffective …show more content… Holden repeatedly tells us versions of the phrase, “I swear to God I’m a madman” (Salinger 149). The particular diction of swearing reinforces that he is both irresponsible and immature.

What is Holden Caulfield physical description?

Holden is 16 years old as the central story begins, tall at 6 feet 2 1/2 inches, partially gray-haired, and woefully skinny. He has grown 6 1/2 inches in just one year. He is out of shape because he smokes too much. His general health is poor.

What is the characterization in Catcher in the Rye?

Conclusion. Holden’s characterization changes throughout the story due to the progression of the plot. Throughout the story he is characterized as cynical and depressive, due to his family. He resents his parents because they weren’t there to shield him from the world, and now he is trying to shield his little sister.

Is Holden a good person?

But, Holden is also one of literature’s favorite characters. He’s noble: he has an unceasing desire to protect his family, Jane, and children everywhere. He’s compassionate: he sees Sunny as a person, not a prostitute, and sympathizes with the nuns who never get to go to swanky lunches.

What are Holden’s values?

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Is Holden a likeable character?

‘ Holden begins the book as he means to go on, and does not pretend to be something he is not, by hiding his unconventional idiom. This makes him likeable as readers can relate to him, as he is very genuine, and blend in with the language of today’s youth.

How is Holden’s name symbolic?

Thus, the caul in his name may symbolize the blindness of childhood or the inability of the child to see the complexity of the adult world. Holden’s full name might be read as Hold-on Caul-field: he wants to hold on to what he sees as his innocence, which is really his blindness.

Why does Holden lie so much?

Holden lies as a result of his depression, in order to hide the fact that he’s lonely and bored with his life, to divert any questions which he believes are too personal, and to create his own reality. In this way, Salinger illustrates how, during difficult times, people resort to lying as a coping mechanism.

What motivates Holden in Catcher in the Rye?

On the other hand, Holden’s dead brother Allie, was Holden’s inspiration and motivation. Through Allie’s death, it was proven to Holden society has to bare with that the inevitable events in this world that happen for a reason.

How does Holden treat little kids give an example?

2. How does Holden treat little kids? Give an example. Holden adores little kids- he tightens the girl’s skate, he is happy when he hears the boy singing.

How is Holden’s name symbolic?

Thus, the caul in his name may symbolize the blindness of childhood or the inability of the child to see the complexity of the adult world. Holden’s full name might be read as Hold-on Caul-field: he wants to hold on to what he sees as his innocence, which is really his blindness.

Where is Holden when he tells the story?

sanatorium
Holden is not specific about his location while he’s telling the story, but he makes it clear that he is undergoing treatment in a mental hospital or sanatorium. The events he narrates take place in the few days between the end of the fall school term and Christmas, when Holden is sixteen years old.

How did Holden lose his innocence?

Allie’s death causes Holden to become obsessed with death and this obsession makes him believe that growing up and becoming a “phonie” is like dying; this belief that is planted inside Holden’s head when Allie died is what sends him on a quest to preserve children’s innocence and save them from the “death” of growing …

How does Holden show maturity?

Holden shows maturity before leaving school since he went to go to his favorite teacher at Pencey. He wanted to tell him he was leaving himself since he actually cares about him and plus he knows he is a wise man so he wants to get some advice. Old Spencer tells him something that did not sit well with Holden.