Catcher and the Rye 2

overall, I really liked this book, but I liked the first half a little better than the second half. it was only in the second half of the book that the reader could see Holden's mental instability. because of the first person narration it was hard to detect this at first, however it became particularly evident when he was walking in the park and was scared that he would never get to the other side of the side walk. at the same time though, I feel like Holden maybe wasn't actually crazy, but he was put in a mental asylum because at the time, anyone who was viewed with the slightest abnormality was put in a mental asylum. also, I noticed that Holden tries to push away everyone that cares for him like Sally, Mr. Arlington, and even Phoebe towards the end. i liked how Holden didn't like "phonies" because it showed his innocence and I guess I can agree. This is an ongoing theme in the story and I know that some people would say that he has a problem because he doesn't really like anyone he talks to but I didn't like anyone he talked to either. Holden is confused and even though he says he is going to do all of these outrageous things, in the end he is a kid and he doesn't really know what he wants to do (deep down he just wants home and acceptance), so he is kind of a coward. i also liked the contrast of Holden to his surroundings because he thinks so innocently, but he is out in the real world. finally Holden doesn't like change because of what he says about how he loves museums because they always stay the same and he never does what he really wants, like calling Jane because there is always an excuse, so his ideals never become realities. he also thinks about Allie's death too much so at some points he feels guilty for insignificant mistakes that he made when Allie was alive. overall, i loved Holden's character but didn't really think he seemed that crazy. i still think that Holden's red hunting hat symbolizes himself, but now, i also think that it is representative of protection and love. this is because i think that he uses it when he is out in the real world, to protect himself from reality that is going on around him, and he also gives this hat to Pheobe who is basically the only person that he loves, and i think it was a sentiment that he will always protect her.