Holden's Phony

With the introduction of Holden's hat, it can easily be identified as a symbol for Holden to gain a sense of individuality and independence, something he deeply desires. This desire for an identity and independence is connected to his feeling of isolation and to the discontent he has for the rest of the world. Holden wants independence from the corrupted world he is living in. Although Holden isn't really planning on shooting anyone in this hat, Holden is metaphorically shooting people by using all of his mental energy judging the people around him.
Despite Holden viewing Ackley as inferior and just another individual who is “phony” like the rest of his peers, Holden still reaches out to him because he craves friendship and human interaction. This signifies character conflict because Holden despises almost everyone, yet is still lonely, leaving Holden stuck between following his brain and continuing to hate everyone or following his heart, and seek genuine interaction. The loneliness and crave of human interaction is possibly a result of Allie's death which has left an empty hole in Holden.
Holden often uses the topic of ducks when trying to converse with people, often his taxi drivers, which shows Holden is attempting to have an intellectual conversation with his peers. Holden is also emotionally tied to
Holden is choosing to lose his virginity as a way to prove he is grown, mature, and independent, one identity Holden craves but then realizes he actually doesn’t want to pursue with this action because Holden is using his virginity as a way to hold onto his innocence and childhood. Holden is conflicted between these two identities and also craves human interaction which plays a factor in Holden’s decision just to speak with the prostitute. Both of these factors are prominent reoccurring conflicts in Holden’s