Subject: Re: Whining about whining?
From: Rob McEntarffer (rmcenta@lps.esu18.k12.ne.us)
Date: Fri Mar 07 1997 - 17:38:36 GMT
>
>No, I don't think so. I think his already cynical views on adults worsen
>towards the end of the novel. The Antolini incident might have
>contributed to this. After all, his faith was shattered in the one adult
>he admired with that incident, justifiably or not. In addition, I think
>he was disappointed with the adults he had accountered in his NYC venture
>(save for the Nuns). That friend of his brother's in the club and her
>extreme phony tendencies (not sure if that's an accurate reference, but,
>I think ya all know who I'm talking about). Maurice. Again, Antolini.
>Adults consistently are a sour brand for Holden. Does it sound like he's
>he was happy about being admitted into the mental institution at the
>conclusion (adults were surely responsible for this, at least according
>to Holden)? Doesn't he think it's really petty and phony that he was put
>there in the first place? Does he seem impressed with the adults who were
>counseling him at the hospital? Maybe I'm extracting too much here and I
>apologize if I am. But....just wondering and all. :-)
>
>--AK
Good points, I never looked at it this way - I guess (to answer my own
question - annoying habit that Holden would probably hate) I guess I always
thought he got "better" toward the end of the novel. Maybe that's wishful
thinking. You're right, the antolinin incident does freak him out, and he
is institutionalized (and all). Hmm. But there is still that quote about
having to let kids reach for the gold ring. Isn't he at least more resigned
to being an adult by the end? He knows he can't run away and be a deaf mute
- he's going to face his parents and keep living in the world. He starts
and ends the book by missing people - not just children, adults too? I
don't know. If phoebe asked him what he wanted to do with his life at the
end of the book would his answer be different?
*************************************************************************
*Rob McEntarffer rmcenta@lps.esu18.k12.ne.us *
*Psychology/Philosophy Teacher "Too much obedience may ruin *
*Lincoln Public Schools, SE High character, dwarf the intellect, *
*2930 South 37th St. and paralyze the will of children *
*Lincoln, NE 68506 and adults - Harry Kirke Wolfe *
*************************************************************************
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