Holden's Mentality

Question Responses

 

 

Amarjot: 

 

Holden has a very unique relationship with his roommate, Stradlater. Is this friendship healthy? Explain. 

 

Holden's relationship with is roommate Stradlater is not a very healthy relationship in act there is a lot of exploiting each others abilities and pressure between to two. Especially with Holden since Stradlater is an older fellow Holden is some what forced in to doing Stradater's work and other things. Since Stradlater is older and he looks tougher Holden does his work for him in fear. Also when Holden tries to share an experience with the girl who Stradlater is dating, Stradlater does not really see interested. Holden is more caring and understanding since he listens to Stradlater's problems at least trying or pretending to care. When Holden tell Stradlater his problems or experiences Stradlater always drifts off into a different topic like about his girlfriends or having Holden complete is English work for him. Overall the relationship between the two is not very healthy since Stradlater takes advantage of Holden and does not even at least pretend to care when Holden shares his experiences or problems.

 

Anita:

 

Was Holden right to leave Pencey? What would you have done in his position? Consider the time of day and conditions Holden was in.

 

Although Holden's decision to leave Pencey was impulsive I can understand how he felt like it was the right decision. After all, he had a rough night and a hard time at the school in general. Holden explains how the school made him feel sad and lonesome. It's in no one's place to judge how someone else feels because really, how exactly would we know? In my opinion, I think it was okay for Holden to leave. The way he was being treated by other students was lousy and there was nothing lef t for him at the school. If I were in Holden's position, the only thing that I would have done differently is that I would leave some sort of notice to my roommate as to where I went and why. This is just in case I get into any trouble, at least someone would know where I am.

 

Melissa:

 

In chapter 25, Holden speaks about Phoebe riding the carousel. What is the significance of the carousel? Provide an example from the text. 

 

Holden mentions Phoebe wanting to go on the carousel, however she argues that she is too old to ride it. Holden buys her a ticket anyways. When she asks him to join her, he refuses which shows him acknowledging, if not accepting his status as an adult. In a way, the carousel is similar to the statues at the Museum of Natural History because like the statues, it never changes. The carousel moves in circles and stays in the same place while the children who ride it, grow older. Character in Holden is shown as he watches Phoebe ride because he says "All the kids kept trying to grab for the gold ring, and so was old Phoebe ... but I didn't say anything ... The thing is with kids, if they want to grab the gold ring, you have to let them do it, ... If they fall off, they fall off." (Salinger273-274) In reference to his fantasy about  being the "catcher in the rye" he comes to terms with the fact that every child will "fall" out of innocence and into adulthood. He cannot stop the children from growing up, just like he can't stop himself from becoming an adult. 

 

Bethany:

 

Can you make any personal connections with Holden? If so explain.

 

Holden has a developing inner conflict going on as we go through the novel with him. This conflict is between his desire for individuality and his desire for companionship. I, too, have this inner conflict going on in my life. I have many times where I would much rather be on my own than with others. At the same time, though, I want to be accepted by those around me and to get close to them as well. In my daily life, I find myself straining to engage in contact with others for these reasons; I want them to notice my pure effort and/or I don't really want to be there. I, similar to Holden, have many people around me that come in and out of a revolving door to my life. I guess this is why we both try not to attach ourselves to anyone in fear of losing them.

Another personal connection I can make with Holden is that we both are seen as a 'lower' power. In his roommate's eyes, Holden is weak-willed. In strangers' eyes, he does not seem to be able to take care of himself. These qualities in Holden immediately made me think of myself and how similar we are. In my life, I do not hold much power with my words and I often get drowned out by those around me because I do not talk much. But when I do manage to get a word in, I make it worth the time to listen.

The third and final connection that I can make with Holden is that we both consistently perform impulsive acts that end up nipping us in the rear. When Holden called up Sally Hayes, he has no idea that she would be much different than she was when they were closer many years ago. This happened to me recently when I called up an old friend for a movie, and it became apparent that we had grown apart. These constant impulsive decisions are most likely the cause of the lack of trust of our surrounding area and people. We have trust issues because almost everyone we have met has hurt us in some way. We always manage to get back up, though, and keep trying.

These are three ways in which I feel a personal connection with Holden Caulfield from the Catcher in the Rye.