Holden’s Sexual Exploits

Holden’s Sexual Exploits

The Catcher In the Rye is voted as one of the most controversial book for many reasons; however, Holden’s sexual exploits serves as an idea that is unappreciative. Although this topic is questionable in a book taught to teenagers, we must understand that this is developed as a manifestation of Holden’s illness. His isolation and loneliness exposes him to certain events and feelings as he attempts to live life morally, and evidence is found in his story.

To begin with, he is bothered by the sight of the couple spitting at each other. The ethical portion of Holden unleashes as he explains how it is wrong to spit at a woman’s face and “doing crumby stuff to it.” He then admits, “[he] was probably the only normal bastard in the whole place…and if you really don’t like the girl, you shouldn’t horse around with her” (62). After analyzing the situation, we learn that he has strict morals in the field of relationships, however refuses to make commitments for he fears change. Evidence of his anxiety his shown through his obsession of where the ducks go for the winter. His isolation from the society has lead him to believe that change is bad and would like things to go back to the way they were…similar to how Holden was happy prior to Allie’s death. This obvious matter has become justified through his reaction of the couple spitting at each other.

Equally important, Holden simply is confused on the matter and it guides him into wrong positions. Prior to Holden stumbling onto acquiring “time” with the prostitute, he explains, “when you’re feeling depressed, you can’t even think” (91). Therefore, Holden’s depression is what allowed him to be alone with a prostitute, and even then, he was even more depressed. The fact that he encountered a prostitute does not make this book controversial; moreover, it is the actions he takes during this situation. He gives the excuse that “[he] had an operation…on [his] wuddayacallit…clavichord” (96). Considering the fact that he does not know what he is talking about, this shows