Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye and Franny and Zooey

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Director Robert Zemeckis once stated, “We don't function well as human beings when we're in isolation.” This quotation pertains to the protagonists in both The Catcher in the Rye and Franny and Zooey by J. D. Salinger. Both protagonists overcome estrangement when they learn from their siblings the underlying reason behind their feelings of isolation. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield fails to form a connection with others at Pencey Prep and escapes to New York City in an attempt to overcome his alienation. Similarly, in Franny and Zooey, Franny Glass seeks religion to cope with her social isolation at college. Initially, both characters are isolated from their peers because their judgmental attitudes make them unable to form a connection with their fellow students; their efforts to escape from their sense of isolation fail because of their immense desperation for instant gratification, but they are finally able to overcome their sense of being completely alone after gaining a new perspective from a family member.
Both novels begin with the central character becoming isolated at school, because their judgmental personalities make it difficult for them to associate with their peers. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden feels alienated at Pencey Prep because his negative criticism of others makes it difficult for him to be a part of any social groups. Holden's roommate, Stradlater, is “mostly a Yearbook kind of handsome guy” who Holden perceives as conceited (Catcher 27). Stradlater attempts to superficially establish friendships based on his seemingly genuine character, but is actually “madly in love with himself” (Catcher 27). Stradlater’s behavior contributes to Holden's sense of isolation, as he goes on a date with the gir...

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...eir desperate attempts worsens their problems; Holden escapes to New York City, while Franny turns to religion and incessant prayer. Holden and Franny are finally able to overcome their anxiety resulting from their isolation when they receive help from a family member who gives them guidance; Holden receives comfort from his little sister who shifts his focus away from isolation; Franny gains an understanding of her spiritual beliefs from Zooey, which helps her cope with her anxiety. Holden and Franny are able to overcome their mental anxiety resulting from their isolation from others with their siblings Phoebe and Zooey to provide them with a new perspective of their situation and give them moral support.

Works Cited

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 1991. Print.
Salinger, J. D. Franny and Zooey. Boston: Little, Brown, 1991. Print.

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