Holden Caulfield: Protector of the "real" people

Up to chapter 16 in the book, we learn a lot about the main character and narrator Holden Caulfield. Holden is a 16-year-old student who has been kicked out of Pencey Prep for his failing grades. This isn’t the first time that he has been kicked out of school. Although he comes from a wealthy background, Holden is not considered popular in his school or in society.

As Holden describes his thoughts about people and the situations he is in and has been in, we learn more about his character. We learn that Holden has certain respect for people based on their classification to him and judges people based on their appearance and personality. He seems to be constantly be bringing up his idea of being “phony”. Throughout the book we see the quality of Holden protecting people who aren’t phony and judging people who are. It also brings up the question whether Holden could be phony. Holden is modest about himself, sarcastic in certain situations, and judgmental about people he knows or sees. He has his own way for looking at people. Although Holden does seem to have a good heart because he feels sorry for people that are not as privileged as him.

Throughout the book we also learn that Holden continues to lie but isn’t great at doing it. We find out that Holden is very lonely without others there for him and that he does have certain yearnings. Holden is also independent and chooses to do things that he wants to do. Holden tries to get others to believe he is tough, but in reality he isn’t. We learn that Holden has principles but in some situations breaks them. After reading the last few chapters, we learn more about Holden’s emotions. He seems to be really depressed all the time because of his loneliness. Holden does have a weak side and “yellowness” that prevents him from doing things. But mainly, Holden doesn’t know the right direction he wants to take in his life. With little people around him that he considers “real”, Holden is not sure of the path he wants to take with his life. Maybe he is the duck in the lagoon.