Holden Onto His Saneness

So far, I've determined that I do not like this book. This may be my least favorite in the book rotation so far.

Holden:: Very early in the novel, the reader finds out that he is in a mental institution. As the story progresses, it becomes more and more obvious that he is already experiencing some extreme thoughts and temperaments. My first negative impression of him, was about how he is such a whiner! His whole story so far is like a complaint after complaint, and rant after rant. As a reader, I can not fully believe that his perspective on the events was the actual truth of what happened, because he is so erratic and opinionated. He is very judgmental of people, and calls many people "phonies." He is sarcastic, and contemptuous, and mocking of people. When he walks into Ackley's room at 11:30 at night, he is totally unappreciative and condescending to Ackley. Ackley doesn't want to let someone sleep in his roommate's bed, when his roommate is away. That seems reasonable. But then Holden taunts him and mocks him about it. Furthermore, he wakes up Ackley in the middle of the night, and then leaves the room while insulting him. I don't particularly like Ackley either, but the novel focuses on Holden's thoughts and development.

......

I guess his attitude is excusable, though, because he is apparently nearing need to be put in the institution.

Holden is also a bit hypocritical. For example, he hates when people repeat things. When he was speaking to Mr. Spencer, he found it annoying that Mr. Spencer would repeat his confessions. However, Holden repeats himself often. He commonly says things like "It really did" or "It really was." While talking to Mr. Spencer, he says "I know it is. I know it." Holden's hypocrisy will probably contribute to eventual downfall.

The hat:: That hat seems to have some sort of importance. It is described to be odd and garish, and Holden likes to wear it a certain way. Ackley first comments on it, then Stradlater. Holden even wears the hat after changing into pajamas. Then, he does not have the hat when he gets into the fight with Stradlater. Holden then brings the hat with him as he leaves Pencey. I think that hat hides his extreme nature, and allows him to control his emotions.

The hygiene at Pencey:: This may be an odd thing to talk about, but the sanitation standards in Pencey are terrible! After being punched by Stradlater, Holden's face is described to be totally gory and bloody, to the extent where the sight is almost scary. Yet, he does not wash his face, and he lies down in Ackley's room on Ackley's roommate's bed. Poor roommate! Secondly, according to Holden, Ackley doesn't shower (ever), which is extremely unhygienic.

Peanut Shells:: When Holden is leaving Pencey, he almost breaks his neck slipping on peanut shells that were mysteriously left on the stairs. Peanuts are often used in a hyperbole to describe exaggerated brain sizes. Holden almost fell and became disabled, because of those people he considers morons. I think there should be some significance to the fact that he slipped on peanut shells, even though my current interpretation may not be correct.