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Piazytiabet OP t1_j680wjv wrote

Reply to comment by BookishBitching in Does anyone actually like the catcher in the rye? by Piazytiabet

I had the same thoughts about Holden. He keeps calling everyone a “phony”, yet he himself isn’t that great. Also I don’t think this is a great insight into the mind of a teenage boy, since Holden isn’t a normal teenage boy. He is heavily traumatized and in need of help, and he constantly refuses to address issues with himself.

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ri-mackin t1_j68494m wrote

The part where he's a hypocrite is actually a strength. A protagonist doesn't need to be likable for you to empathize with them.

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BookishBitching t1_j6814dg wrote

I'd agree, I'm just parroting what many teachers have told me about why it's on the syllabus.

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