Comparison Of Holden Caaulfield And Catcher In The Rye

In contrast, JD Salinger’s character Holden Caulfield, from The Catcher in the Rye, would be characterized as a spoiled rich kid because he does not meet the requirements of a Hemingway code hero. Though this character may seem to fit into the category of â€Å"code hero† because of his moral code, in reality he is too frail and emotional, he has no desire to free himself from society’s constraints, and he has not endured through his struggles. Firstly, Holden is often overwhelmed by his emotions and feelings, to the point where they cause him a mental breakdown and he is admitted to a mental institution. Ernest Hemingway writes his heroes as men capable of controlling their emotions so that they will not get in the way of their life, which is†¦show more content†¦Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right—I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing† (Salinger 8). Through this quote, the author shows the reader how Caulfield just accepts life as it is, despite being unhappy with it, and doesn’t make an effort to change his situation. In sum, Holden Caulfield is too accepting of reality and does not attempt to take control over his own life, which is uncharacteristic of a true code hero. Finally, Holden has not handled the pain and suffering in his life with the courage of a Hemingway code hero. When his brother died, he became depressed and started to see the world in a completely different way, which is somewhat characteristic of a code hero. Nonetheless, his extreme sadness over his brother’s death took control over his life, which shows that Holden could not endure chaos and pain in life, unlike a true code hero. At one point Holden tells the reader, â€Å"It took me quite a while to get to sleep—I wasnt even tired—but finally I did. Wh at I really felt like, though, was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out the window. I probably wouldve done it, too, if Id been sure somebodyd cover me up as soon as I landed† (Salinger 104). This exemplifies Holden’s lack of strength and endurance when facing struggle, in this case when he is confronted in his hotel room and