Holden Caulfield Is an Island Essay

John Donnes quote, No man is an island connects quite directly to Holden Caulfield in The Catcher in the Rye. Holdens character is actually relative to themes such as isolation, loneliness and non-conformity. Holden has a very distinct character he has many features, which would suck him as quite a lonely, cynical young man. It is evident that a past of his has had such an effect on him that the adolescence he has become quite a bumpy journey for him the death of his brother Allie, and the suicide of one of his schoolmates included. How is Holden Caulfield an island?Well, the quote itself No man is an island can be interpreted that no man will elaborate in isolation, such as an island. Holden has isolated himself from the conforming ways of society. This explains why he breaks it so hard to be close to people, and why people find it so hard to get close to him because he is so different. Holdens character can be described as one that is flying take the rails. Some events thro ughout the novel regarding alcohol and drugs, relationships and Holdens whereabouts show that he is simply trying to be something he isnt.Holden Caulfield is an island, throughout the novel, a word to describe him best would be alone. Those who attempt to help him, guide him and be there for him, such as Spencer and Mr. Antolini, generally fail as Holden makes a quick hedge from their guiding hands. In some ways, Holden can be seen as a hero. It is much harder to go against the grain alone, than to follow along in the footsteps of others. Holden can be understood as a leader, rather than a follower. Although his purpose is not quite evident, his journey is still worth so much.Holdens personality includes features, which pay back him as a very judgmental person. He often uses the term phoney to describe people who arent true to themselves and who according to him, squeezing into a certain cut out. Holden is very set in his ways, and will generally not take on the opinion of anyone else, and will stick to his own very closely. An example of Holden preferring to be alone is when he informs his sister that he will be leaving home. He organizes a meeting with her before he leaves. She arrives with her dimension and asks to go with him.It is not that Holden loses his temper, and refuses to take her along. After Holden leaves Pencey Prep at the beginning of the novel, he makes the decision to find his way around Manhattan alone, with out telling his parents for a few days before he is due back home. To most sixteen year old teenagers, to make this decision would be a gravid move, but to Holden, a stunt like this doesnt concern him. This just shows how far he goes to prove himself to be an individual, who can take care of himself, Holden feels he doesnt need anyone but himself, as he is left alone by the end of the story.Throughout the novel, is it clear that the story is about Holdens journey, and Holden Caulfield creation an island. The events and occurrences that happen to Holden along the way prove this statement to be true. Holden has a very strong character, that of which he remains tough he does his own thing, in his own way without the need for approval from anyone. Holden Caulfield has isolated himself from the conforming ways of society. Therefore, Holden Caulfield is an Island.