"For our friends we do Justice, to our enemies we apply the Law." - Brazilian Proverb
Except what do you do when you have no friends?
I have been reading the catcher in the rye and am genuinely curious about JD Salinger. His character sketch of Holden fascinates and perturbs me at the same time- partially because I see a bit of my impolite self in him. Especially when he has meaningless, polite conversations with everyone around him and his mind keeps saying "Phony."
Although Holden is definitely in need of guidance one cannot deny the wit he carries under that ridiculous hat of his ("I am illiterate but I read a lot"). What particularly describes Holden is his remembrance of odd things past- like how that girl always kept her king's in the back row (Chess). The sensitivity he carries is definitely embodied in the death of his cousin and the curiosity with the ducks in Central Park ("When the lagoon is frozen where do the ducks go? I mean does a truck come and pick em up?").
The themes of isolation, alienation, hatred/anger towards the adult hypocritical world are prominent.
"How marvelous to see you!" old Lillian Simmons said.
Strictly a Phony.
- Holden, The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger
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