A Psychological Interpretation: the Irony of Holden Caulfield’s Inner Conflict with Society

The Catcher in the Rye, a novel written by J. D. Salinger is a story about a unique yet troubled boy named Holden Caulfield. Salinger masterfully depicts the story’s protagonist as a well rounded character who feels the full range of emotions. Holden is consumed by the desire to live in a world where he can play the hero and surround himself with love and acceptance. Holden’s need for love and belonging, however, creates an irony because it provokes an intense aversion to society that pushes Holden further away from achieving a sense of belonging. While in several ways Holden epitomizes the average teenager, he is also exceptionally unique and shows maturity beyond his years. According to Granville Hicks, Salinger depicts a character that expresses teenage rebellion using the quintessential speech of Americans in the Twenties. At times, however, Holden’s voice is one of sophistication and his dialogue is recognizable for its distinct style (502). Regardless of Holden’s sophistication, he does not apply his intelligence and flunks out of Pencey. In the first chapter of the novel, Holden’s history teacher knows that Holden is capable of much more than failure. He tells Holden, “I’d like to put some sense into that head of yours, boy. I’m trying to help you” (Salinger 14). Nevertheless, Arthur Heiserman and James E. Miller, Jr. state that Holden is preoccupied by his inordinate desire to become a hero and save good society from the corruption he equates to phoniness. Within Holden is a desire to belong to a world full of only love “for Holden loves the world more than the world can bear” (497.) Unfortunately for Holden, the world has no room for his views and remains unchanged no matter how hard he wishes save himself from harsh realities. Throughout The Catcher in the Rye, Holden has difficulty identifying with people and his image of the world is affected as a result. Privitera says Holden’s “efforts to connect with any stereotypical kid his age result in abject

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