What does it feel like to always be confused and second-guessing yourself? In Salinger's
Catcher in the Rye there is somebody who does know. This very same cloud of
uncertainty haunts Holden Caulfield. Not only was it frustrating but his uncertainty takes
over his life. If it wasn't for the death of his brother, Allie, depression and uncertainty
would not have been such a strong factor in Holden's life. Holden wishes to banish all
evil throughout the novel, yet comes to the realization that he cannot. As a result,
achieving success in any endeavor is very difficult. Holden's emotional well-being is at
stake and he wants to escape his current world to assume a new identity in another.
However, near the end of the novel he finds one thing he is certain of: with all the evil in
this world, Holden's goal is to preserve the innocence of all children especially his sister,
Pheobe. Thus, the author suggests living a life of uncertainty is difficult but finding
something one is certain of can be the quickest cure.
People make choices everyday, whether it be sleeping, walking, left or right, we
make simple choices each day. Not only is Holden uncertain about the little things, but
the big things as well. Holden struggles with things like family, friends, and things like
not knowing where he fits. Holden is a comic version, full of energy run amuck in the
conformist 1950s; and he unpacks his heart in ways that can only give guardians of the
official culture fits. (Randell 186) Putting on acts for other people shows that Holden is
insecure with who he is and where he belongs. If Holden had a sense of belonging he
could adapt his personality to a situation and not have to pretend to be a totally different
person. As Holden is uncertain of where he belongs he tires to make a joke or just brush
off the things people say about him. For instance, as captain of the fencing team he h...