Examples Of Isolation In Catcher In The Rye

When one pushes people away consistently, it is to protect themselves. In the Catcher in the Rye, J.D Salinger’s protagonist, Holden Caulfield, creates reoccurring gestures of isolation throughout the novel. Holden’s behaviour clearly suggests the requirement of love and affection, however, fails to generate the opportunity to maintain a formulated conversation. During his childhood, Holden becomes emotionally scarred because the only person he likes, his brother Allie, dies. Which brings him to push people away in many instances. As Holden believes he is protecting himself nevertheless, he is actually harming himself. The feelings of remorse and guilt derive after alienating himself since human communication is essential in social society.
That way I wouldn't have to have any goddam stupid useless conversations with anybody… I'd meet this beautiful girl that was also a deaf-mute and we'd get married. She'd come and live in my cabin with me, and if she wanted to say anything to me, she'd have to write it on a goddam piece of paper, like everybody else. (198-199)
He yearns for complete isolation from the real world and its complications. However, he wishes to be alone provided that there is a girl with him, which means he wants communication and love. Holden requires genuine feelings that are proper and everlasting despite his
In the Catcher in the Rye, Holden is faced with an unhappy youthful experience where one his loved ones pass away. His emotions are altered because of that and try to escape feeling that agony all over again. Holden thinks the adult world is phony and by isolated himself from school, he will not grow up in the adult world. He fails to call people because he wastes opportunities and, thus, hides back into isolation. Getting depressed makes him push people away and distance himself from others. Holden essentially destroys himself by alienating, because he limits vital interaction in order protect