A Closed Perspective

Since society is composed of a variety of extremely different individuals, with polar ideals and opinions, those who live within society have no choice but to adapt to the challenges that arise when around such diverse ideas. If one fails at coping with societies differences, they may fall into a false reality; fabricating a world they believe is correct. Holden Caulfield has become victim to this event in that he refused to comprehend the fact that he is maturing and losing his innocence. He battles any growth that attempts to alter his personality; resulting in immaturity, depression, and loneliness, as he isolates himself from others that may influence him. This process is evident when Holden consistently postpones calling Jane Gallagher, or when Holden suddenly repels Sally Hayes when she refuses to commit complete emotional support for Holden. Throughout the novel, Holden’s mental state deteriorates as he is confronted with the fact that he cannot survive in society without losing his innocence and maturing to accept those he believes are phony.

Holden finally does come to terms with his age and position in society as his manufactured world deteriorates. He begins to pray to Allie, and experiences delusions and paranoia. I believe that Holden would have fared much better if he had kept an open perspective towards others; instead of labeling them as phonies or flits. Acknowledging conflicting opinions towards your own, such as those in politics or religion, offer an expanded version of the world. I have developed this attribute by staying neutral and analyzing the motives behind ideals, not simply the surface logic (I use this often with politics, since I am an independent). By isolating himself, Holden self-imposed his destruction, loneliness, and depression and he stifled his mind’s attempts at growth (often seen as laziness throughout the book).