Sunday, November 8, 2009

Holden Is Stuck in Childhood

Some of Holden's childish behavior reminds me of me and my friends at times. We give off the impression that we're mature and completely in control but really we're still children inside. We still do kid-like things, such as not thinking about the long-term consequences of our actions or blaming other people when we get busted. Holden has to move past these childish behaviors before he can move into adulthood. Holden lies to that boy's mother's face on the train, and just couldn't stop himself. The struggle is obvious when he goes to the lavender room. He tries to buy alcohol and dance with grown women. I think they see through his front and just go along with it to be nice. Holden puts off their disinterest as them being fake and celebrity obsessed.
Holden seems to be in between when it comes to sex. He was terrified to talk to Jane when she was at Pencey and couldn't kiss her. But he randomly calls some female at 3 in the morning to hookup, but backs out. Holden does think thinks that people should only have sex if they care about each other, and spitting on a girl seems wrong. What bothers him is Stradlater's disrespect and casually hooking up with girls, especially Jane. This is more mature and respectful than a lot of boys and grown men.

1 comment:

  1. He's definitely stuck somewhere between childhood and adulthood; knowing what he wants and what he doesn't. He needs some friends his age to help him develop more normally!

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