Examples Of Relationships In Catcher In The Rye

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All relationships are what make the world today and relationships are how individuals relate to others. Relationships can be close, distant, personal or impersonal. Individuals have basic human needs to function; relationships help individuals learn from each other, develop and grow and live more productive and meaningful lives. In J.D. Salinger’s novel, Catcher In The Rye, Holden Caulfield longs for intimacy with other human beings. He struggles to make relationships and bonds with the people he meets because he judges them and views everybody as a phony, In turn, this leads to his loneliness. This essay will discuss Holden’s fear of people leaving him, how Holden judges people as “Phonies”, and Holden’s feeling and views towards himself.

One of the relationships that is mentioned within the story, is Holden's relationship with Allie, his brother. Holden loves Allie and is very upset about his passing and how Allie was so young. According to Holden, Allie was one of the most lovable people ever. "You'd have liked him... He was terrifically intelligent . . . But it wasn't just that he was the most intelligent member in the family. He was also the nicest" (Salinger 38). Allie’s death caused Holden to have trouble and be unable to form relationships and bonds because he is afraid the people he meets and gets close to are going to leave him like Allie did.

Holden thinks and believes that he is this ideal person, however nobody believes that he is. Holden uses the word phony to describe people, everything within the world that he does not like, and things that are new to him. This is why Holden thinks “phonies” surround him.
One example is when Holden invites this lady named Sally Hayes on a date. Holden takes her to the play “I K...

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...people. This is because a person cannot view himself or herself negatively, and accept the changes in life.
To conclude my essay, Holden Caulfield yearns for closeness with other individuals. I discussed Holden's apprehension of individuals abandoning him, how Holden judges individuals as “Phonies”, and Holden's inclination and views towards himself. He strives to make connections and bonds with the individuals he meets, in light of the fact that he passes judgment on them and views everyone as an imposter or being “Phony”. Holden has some difficulty growing up and tolerating life, as it seems to be. Holden declines to consider with his feelings towards situations and events that occur, this is on because Holden cannot adversely and acknowledge the progressions in life. In turn, his inability to form bonds and meaningful relationships prompts his depression and...

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