Holden Caulfield Phony

Society vs. the Individual

Often blamed for being the root of all problems, society presents itself as an easy target for criticism. Far too frequently, the overarching and vaguely defined term becomes a scapegoat for individuals to place responsibility upon. Most recently, modern society has been accused of being dishonest, superficial, and image-oriented. In J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, these concepts are all encompassed under the same theme: phoniness. Salinger’s bitter and dejected narrator, Holden Caulfield, displays a recurring contempt for those who engage in what he considers to be phony behaviors. Salinger first begins by utilizing Holden’s cynicism as a tool to point out the faults within America’s post-World War II society,

only to later expose Holden’s own phony tendencies on multiple occasions.

This reveal of Holden’s hypocrisy ultimately challenges the concept that society itself is solely at fault and forces individuals to reconsider their own role in the creation of a phony society.

From the very get-go, Holden is clear about his resentment for those around him that he considers to be “phonies”. His primary argument for leaving his boarding school is that he was constantly “surrounded by phonies,” with the headmaster being “the phoniest bastard [he] ever met” (Salinger 14). Holden’s reasoning for labeling the headmaster as such comes from the fact that “He’d be charming as hell and all. Except if some boy had little old funny-looking parents” (14). Holden resents the conformity that is demanded of him and his peers. To him, the headmaster’s prejudice in regards to appearance is just one of many examples of the shallowness and dishonesty in

his society. Salinger utilizes Holden’s critiques as a form of societal criticism to call to attention the issues prevalent in American society. In another instance, Holden shows clear contempt for society’s obsession with image and social standing, believing both to be phony labels. He accuses a talented piano player, Ernie, of being a phony because while playing a piece he adds in “all these dumb, show-offy ripples in the high notes, and a lot of other very tricky stuff that gives me a pain in the ass” (84). Holden goes on to lighten his criticism, admitting, “It isn’t all his fault. I partly blame all those dopes that clap their heads off” (84). While Holden is bothered by the pretentious behavior of Ernie, he is even more bothered by the audience who blindly applaudes. In this case, Ernie is the individual, while the audience can be assumed to take the role of society as a whole. Through Holden, Salinger attacks the phoniness of society and brings attention to the issues that come with such superficial values.
However, throughout the novel, one can not help but note the irony of Holden’s war against phoniness, as he is just as guilty of such phony behavior.

In fact, he even boasts that he is “the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life” (16). This is shown to be a talent he takes advantage of frequently. \In one instance, he lies to a classmate’s mother for no apparent reason other than his own enjoyment. At one point he even remarks with pride, “you should’ve seen her. I had her glued to her seat” (56). For someone who despises fake and dishonest behavior, Holden seems shockingly willing to play with someone else’s mind through lies and deception. He even admits how terrible his lying habit can be, claiming “I started reading this timetable I had in my pocket. Just to stop lying. Once I get started, I can go on for hours” (58). This entire exchange seems to contradict with the contempt Holden holds for the dishonesty he sees in many other characters throughout the novel. Holden’s phony behavior continues further. Later on, he displays behavior towards three women at a bar that is in direct conflict with his previous resentment of his headmaster’s superficial judgement of people’s appearance. Holden crudely remarks “I started giving the three witches at the next table the eye again. That is, the blonde one. The other two were strictly from hunger” (70). He berates the headmaster for prejudice against people for their appearance, then turns around and just as bluntly assesses

random strangers based purely on the exterior. Holden is just a guilty of superficial thought as anyone that he chooses to criticize.
Salinger’s portrayal of Holden as being blind to his own hypocrisy brings to light the greatest issue with societal criticism: how does the individual know when to blame society versus when to blame themselves? This is not a simple question to answer, especially in regards to one’s own phoniness. Holden himself best explains it, stating, “How would you know you weren't being a phony? The trouble is, you wouldn’t” (172). Through this one statement, Salinger switches it around on the reader, forcing them to consider their own responsibility for the issues they find with their society. Not only does Salinger utilize Holden as a tool to critique American society as a whole, but he goes on further to show that society is not all to blame, as individuals are responsible for phony behavior themselves.
With that in mind, one must consider the implications of societal criticism as a practice. The cynical commentaries made in regards to the corruption of American society mask the faults of the citizens within a society, preventing any true improvement until personal responsibility is taken. Therefore, it is first necessary for the individuals to assess their role in the perceived faults of their society instead falling into the all too convenient habit of relying on society itself to be put at blame.