Expert: John Baranyai - 10/28/2009

Question
what types of figurative language does holden caufield talk in the book the catcher in the rye?
does holden agree with mr. vinson who said it is important to unify and simplify?
does holden have a high regard for most people he encounters?
what were the factors that contributed most to holdens psychological problems?

Answer
Hi Stef and thank you for your question.

Holden's most figurative speech in the book is his constant use of the word "phonies' He considers almost everyone to be a "phoney" except himself.

Holden does not see the value of unification and simplification. He believes that the  whole  world is against him  and to be a part of something big is once again characteristic of being "phoney" as can be seen by this opinion of the successful  ex student turned undertaker   early in the  book.


Holden has little regard for the people he encounters. For example he does not think twice about lying to anybody and he dismisses the girl as being " a pain in the ass "when she does  agree to what he wants.

I think the factor that contributes most to Holden's psychological problems is that he has no degree of empathy for anybody. He acts as if he is the only one in the world who has been hurt and hard done by and finds life difficult.He also seems to be very confused about his adolescent sexuality as can be seen by his constant  obesession with girls  and sex and yet when he meets a prostitute who is willing  to have sex with him he declines.

Best wishes and could you please rate my answer?

John Baranyai