Holden Caulfields Troubles with Others essays

Holden Caulfields Troubles with Others essays The irrational Holden Caulfield in the novel Catcher in the Rye, has many problems. A significant one he has is his difficulty in dealing with others. This is because Holden does not behave in socially appropriate ways. This is shown when Holden is on his date with Sally Hayes, when Holden fights with Ward Stradlater, and when he meets Carl Luce at the Wicker Bar. All these situations will be discussed in this essay. One of Holdens first difficulties is with the arrogant Ward Stradlater. Stradlater is Holdens older roommate and is dating Holdens friend Jane. Holden becomes upset with him after he goes out with Jane one night. He thinks that Stradlater gave her the time (Salinger 43). Stradlater refuses to tell Holden what he did with Jane. This action upsets Holden and he takes a punch at Stradlater and misses. Stradlater then knocks Holden down and sits on his chest with his knees. Holden starts crying and calls Stradlater a moron. Stradlater promises to let him up if he does not call Stradlater any more names. After Stradlater lets him up Holden calls Stradlater a dirty stupid sonuvabitch moron (Salinger 44). This time Stradlater knocks Holden out. Holden woke up soon after on the floor covered in blood. Holden did not behave in a socialy acceptable manner. Most people would have either told Stradlater how they felt or just let it go. Another example is that Holden is not thinking about what he is doing. This is shown when Holden says Im a pacifist, if you want to know the truth (Salinger 46) just after attacking Stradlater. For Holden to stop having troubles with others people he must learn to think about his actions before jumping to conclusions. Holden also does not know when he is beat. After being knocked down by Stradlater and getting punched out Holden still made fun of Stradlater. Holden must learn when to give up he could be badly hurt. ...