The Catcher in the Rye. Post 3.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

So, let me start with a question. What kind of teenager would spend their time trying to find a prostitute or get drunk alone in New York when they are supposed to be back at school? Holden Caulfield, that's the teenager I was referring to.

The entire time that he spends obsessing about his memories of Jane, Holden is trying to smooth talk a girl to have sex with or trying to convince a bartender that he was old enough to buy liquor. I really mean it. The entire time. And that really knocks me out. It really does.

So this teenager is allowed to smoke, drink, and solicit prostitutes with practically no negative consequences. It just sounds ridiculous. This kid seems depressed and absolutely insane to me.

"I knew that I did not have to get all dolled up for a prostitute or anything, but it sort of gave me something to do. I was a little nervous. I was starting to feel pretty sexy and all, but I was a little nervous anyway. If you want to know the truth, I'm a virgin. I really am. (Page 92)"

INSANITY.