Minimization Of Holden's Speech In Catcher In The Rye

The minimization of Holden’s speech is apparent throughout the story, the word “sort of” is used numerously as a passive way to disconnect himself. Ackley was sort of a slob, Stradlater's was sort of a nice guy, I sort of struck up a conversation with the cab driver. The word sort of appears in the novel 179 times! (Green) This type of speech is found often with people who have trust issues, they use this as a way to not be judged, to take the middle ground with opinions. It is at its base an issue of self-confidence, and issues of self-confidence can cause those affected by it to develop social quirks. One of Holden’s quirks that goes along with his lack of self-confidence is his overclocked view of the world around him that is best shown in chapter 25.
Holden doesn’t even like to talk to adults ever, “As soon as I was inside, I couldn't think of anybody to call up. My brother D.B. was in Hollywood. My kid sister
Right next to the carousel is a golden ring that all the children try to grab as they go around and around. Phoebe is no exception to this and prompts Holden in to thinking: “I was sort of afraid she’d fall off the goddam horse, but I didn’t say anything or do anything. The thing with kids is, if they want to grab the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything to them.”(232) This could be seen as a way for Holden to realize that there is no real need for a catcher in the rye, if they run off the plain of childhood and off the cliff into adult hood this doesn’t mean they are lost forever. Instead it is just something they have to do, it would be bad to say anything to them. Holden sees this moment as a way to coup with the inedibility of growing up. Then after the ride finishes it starts to rain and Phoebe, being the awesome sister she is places Holden’s red hunting cap on his