Holden the Observer

Holden is kind of a brat. He’s a kid so it’s ok though…right? This question keeps coming up in my head simply because a lot of the observations made by Holden are not necessarily those of a child. I say observations but I suppose that his overall critique of people and life in general is its lack of authenticity. Throughout the book he calls almost everyone and everything phony. This is where I begin to doubt how much of a child Holden really is. His critique on most social situations and people is superficial and does have the air of teenage anxiety. However, the fact that he doesn’t find meaning in a lot of the situations which we as individuals constantly participate in is indicative of something else. He is constantly examining the socialized world in which he lives. Desiring purpose in everyday actions is something most teenagers fail to do, but seemingly for good reason. His desire for purpose in social interactions leads to Holden being seen as strange and also to his constant academic failures. Holden also feels lonely and depressed quite frequently in the novel. The only way he combats this is by calling old girlfriends and schoolmates and participating in the very interactions he fails to find meaning in. Although, after these meetings he usually feels more depressed than before. He also lacks the ability to identify with people his own age. His favorite individuals appear to be his little sister and his deceased brother. Perhaps with children he does not have to be an observer simply because at their age they are not required to participate in tasks that Holden deems pointless.

This could be one of the reasons why he is a character that many identify with. He does something that many can or will not do. He questions his own socialization and that of others. He places himself in the role as the observer and by doing so constantly places himself outside of the understanding of those around him. Attempting to exist beyond most social norms is something that many of us will not do voluntarily. Holden is our proxy.