A conformist is someone who lives and goes by society's rules or what is expected from them according to society. They dismiss their own opinions and views and opt to do things traditionally, instead of pursuing their own beliefs and ideas apart from society's. Some people feel that others will accept them more if they conform to the majority. Throughout the novel, The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is portrayed as being a non- conformist and viewing conformity as evil.
             Holden dropped out of his school, Pency Prep on impulse. He packed his things and left in the middle of the night without telling anyone. He left, went to New York, and tried to escape everything including his problems, school, the fake people there, and his parent's disapproval. Holden rebelled and showed non- conformity right away.
             His experience with the prostitute shows his non-conformity as well. "Look," I said. "I don't feel very much like myself tonight. I've had a rough night. Honest to god. I'll pay you and all, but do you mind very much if we don't do it? ..." (Salinger 96) Holden talks about how he is a "sex maniac", yet he has never had sex before. He is obviously being a non- conformist when he refuses to have sex with sunny. Holden decides he wants it to be with someone special and he wants to be good at it. He ends up trying to connect with her instead which relates to him being a non- conformist.
             Holden's perception of the people in his life is a large part of the novel and shows his non- conformity. The word "phony" is used to describe almost everyone throughout the novel. He uses this word to describe people that he believes are also fake, hypocritical, superficial, and people that conform. Characters such as people from school, Sally Hayes, Carl Luce, Maurice and Sunny, Mr. Spencer family members, and even the movies and shows are portrayed as being "ph...