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As humans we sometimes seek isolation rather than human interaction for fear of being overwhelmed emotionally. For some people, comfort comes with the knowledge that alone, they are the masters of their own emotions, free from the pain of the world's occasional bitterness and sting. In the coming-of-age tale "Catcher in the Rye," J.D. Salinger explores this phenomenon through the voice of the narrator, Holden Caulfield. Although Holden possesses a voice of intelligence, sensitivity and insight he is also bitter with the hypocrisy and ugliness that he perceives in the world around him. The vividness with which he expresses his discontent is seen manifested in the criticisms that Holden aims at various characters throughout the story. As the story progresses, however, we as readers are forced to recognize that our narrator is unreliable, for the criticism he aims at others are also prevalent in him. Holden is uncomfortable with his own weaknesses, and at times displays just as much......

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Approximate Word Count: 670
Approximate Pages: 3 (250 words per double-spaced page)

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