The Catcher in the Rye chapter 10-12

In these next few chapters of Catcher in the Rye, I was able to see deeper into Holden’s loneliness. In the past couple of chapters, I was introduced more of Holden’s emotional state, which showed me that he is lonely and in need of a person to rely on.

In these chapters, Holden seems to have hit a low where he feels lonely and depressed at every place he turns to. Throughout the night he’s been searches for a place where he can be around people and have someone to talk to. On page 80, he even looks at the empty lobby and thinks, “Even all the whory-looking blondes weren’t around any more, and all of a sudden I felt like getting the hell out of the place. It was too depressing.” Later in the night, Holden went to a bar and was so sad he wanted to leave, but couldn't bring himself to because he wanted to be alone. On page 84, it states, “Anyway, it made me feel depressed and lousy again, and I damn near got my coat back and went back to the hotel, but it was too early and I didn't feel much like being all alone.”

In the beginning of the book, I always thought Holden was distant to people because he chose to be and didn’t want to be near anyone. Now I know that Holden may seem like that, but he actually wants someone genuine to be with and talk to. Holden seemed so lonely that he brought up the memory of a past friend, Jane Gallagher, who he had an emotionally intimate relationship with. He reflects on the moments they shared in his time of loneliness and despair.

Does Holden purposefully make himself difficult to be with?

Does Holden let himself be lonely to protect or punish himself?

*Holden took loneliness to a new level

Picture source: https://thisismylawn.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/holden-caulfield.jpg