Holden's Criticism Of Phony In Catcher In The Rye

Delving In Assignment

Holden’s critical nature is a prevalent characteristic often portrayed through his common employment of the word “phony” in order to express his criticism. For him, this word has come to embody the fake personas and lies presented within society from a variety of sources whether it be leaders or the entertainment industry. Moreover, the word depicts his understanding of the facades that plague society and mask the true nature of men in society. He is extremely irritated by the word “grand” claiming “it’s a phony” (12) depicting his hatred for the pompous nature of society that creates a layer of forgery over reality. Likewise, he despises the fake personas present in magazines that are depicted through the “phony, lean-jawed

The idealistic natures of these men directly depict the “phony” nature of society that Holden has come to abhor. Moreover, he will not catch himself “in a movie short” (86) as he would be a “phony” for doing so. Through his scornful view of entertainment, Holden portrays his critical nature toward the creation of fake personas that mask the problems that plague society. In addition, Holden’s criticism extends over to people as well whether it be the "the big phony bastard” (20) Mr. Ossenburger who crafts himself a fake persona or Sally Hayes who writes a “phony letter” (67) expressing her “urge” for Holden to visit during Christmas. These characters exemplify Holden’s distaste for the fake nature of society as people seek to craft themselves as powerful individuals or depict feelings that lack any true connection. Overall, Holden has come to be critical of a society which promotes cheats that mask

The red hunting hat is first introduced to the reader as a purchase made by Holden in New York right after he lost the fencing equipment on the subway. Right away Salinger is connecting the red hunting hat with immaturity as a means to craft it as a symbol of the plight of growing up and Holden’s reluctance to do so. Later on, Holden is depicted wearing the hat while he begins to act for fun in front of Ackley asking “Mother darling, give me your hand” (25). This childlike act that occurs as Holden is wearing the red hunting act is directly alluding to Holden’s unwillingness to grow up and act like someone his age. However, Salinger employs the hat to depict Holden’s attempt to grow up a little as he wears it after his fight with Stradlater over Jane. In doing so, Salinger is crafting a duality of sorts that sees Holden clinging on to his childhood, but being stuck in a world where it is becoming necessary for him to grow up. Not only does the red hunting cap signify this duality, but it also presents the development of individuality that arises from Holden’s alienation from society. Initially, Holden would not like to be seen in public with the hat as he “took it off before [he] checked in” (68) at the hotel in New York. The red hunting hat has become a