The Catcher in the Rye: Criticism

Holden Caulfield is one if those people who seems like he can never be wrong. Or, he believes that he can never be wrong. This, and the view he takes of the world is why he is so extremely critical if it and everyone in it. He criticizes it, but the thing is, Holden criticizes himself too. He seems to be completely honest with what he perceives of the world, though it is always critical and demanding. For example, Holden goes to see a show and his reaction is, "After the Christmas thing was over, the goddamn picture started. It was so putrid I couldn't take my eyes off it." This is a show that someone somewhere probably worked very hard on, but Holden holds no appreciation for it. Everyone else around him seems to be really enjoying themselves except Holden. This is something that irritates me about Holden's character. No matter how honest he seems or intellectual, he is critical to a fault. What gives Holden the right to see the wrong in very person and every aspect of life and society?  However, Holden can see it, and when he explains the reasoning behind his omnipresent cynicism, it usually makes some concrete sense. It seems that J.D. Salinger is speaking out toward society and conformity through Holden.