"The Catcher in the Rye" Section 2

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger

At old Ernies, Holden reveals his opinion of himself and various traits he despises in other people. One trait he despises people who are self-centered and phony by trying to make it seem like they are not self-centered. For example, “He had a big damn mirror in front of the piano, with this big spotlight on him, so that everybody could watch his face while he played… old Ernie turned around on his stool and gave this very phony, humble bow,” (Salinger, 84). Holden also despises the typical moronic person, which happens to be the majority of people. For example, “You should’ve heard the crowd, though, when he was finished. You would’ve puked… They were exactly the same morons that laugh like heynas in the movies at stuff that isn’t funny,” (Salinger, 84). From this excerpt, Holden holds a high opinion of himself. Despite being kicked out of school for poor grades, he believes he is very smart in terms of common sense. He feels that he is real and truly humble, not self-centered like everyone else in the world. For example, “If I were a piano player or an actor or something and all those dopes thought I was terrific, I’d hate it. I wouldn’t even want them to clap for me,” (Salinger, 84). Holden tends to separate himself completely from everyone else, when he definitely shows some characteristics of being self-centered.