Examples Of Empathy In Catcher In The Rye

Empathy
As the novel comes to a close the depth of Holden Caulfield’s character advances. As Holden comes to terms with his emotions and learns how to deal with them effectively. At the same time, he learns about others’ sentiments and how to react to their emotions. When talking to his sister, Phoebe, Holden withdraws from the conversation as it progresses into more emotional depth than he is comfortable with. Aware that his sister “gets very emotional” Holden shy’s away from the conversation as, at this point in time, Holden has not prepared himself to cope with her emotions (Salinger 182). His unwillingness is due to Holden’s inability to endure his own feelings, let alone the emotions of another person. Later in the novel, Holden insinuates

The tears shed in this scene are crucial as Holden becomes aware of the situation caused by his actions, which is a turning point in the novel as previously Holden has ignored his own well being and has not thought of the consequences of his actions. As Holden’s personal empathy grows, he also becomes au courant of what is occurring around him and how relationships have had an impact on his life; “don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start to miss everybody” (234). By the end of the novel, Holden is developing skills to understand his emotions and how to deal with them in an ordinary manner. In doing so, he learns that having great memories comes at a price. Holden ends up missing the memories and the people more than he thought he would. The emotional depth of Holden’s character has grown extravagant amounts throughout

When in New York City, Holden reacquaints himself with an old friend: Carl Luce. Carl is attending school at Columbia University and is far more mature, emotionally, physically, and sexually than Holden. Carl even elucidates on Holden’s immaturity during the conversation they share over martinis; “‘same old Caulfield. When are you going to grow up?’” (Salinger 159). Holden refuses to acknowledge, let alone confront, his childish mind-set. However, when Carl, someone he respects, remarks upon his callowness it begins to sink in that remaining young forever is not the most desirable trait to have. Holden’s young and innocent nature is further revealed by his behaviour when he observes performances at Radio City. He recognises a drum player and explains that “[he has] watched that guy since [he] was about eight years old” (153). Holden, whilst attempting to be independent and grow up in New York City by himself, is still fascinated by the same thing he was when he was eight. He is still young and innocent despite his attempts to not be. Whilst attempting to grow up and mature, Holden actually remains young and innocent of the world throughout this