The Meaning Of Life Is To Give Life a Meaning

1070 Words5 Pages
Life. One word, four letters, and yet undefined. One may discover that the meaning of life varies greatly depending on whom one asks. However, according to Ashleigh Brilliant, “Life may have no meaning. Or even worse, it may have a meaning of which I disapprove.” Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye is a troubled young man, to say the least. Holden faces expulsion from the fourth school he has attended in his life as a result of his lack of effort in his academics. As Holden tells his story, the reader learns that his disengagement is not only present in his academics, but also in his life. Holden’s lack of effort can be attributed to the fact that he has no true purpose in his existence here on earth, and often rejects the ideas that others present him with. Through Holden Caulfield’s thoughts, experiences, and actions he reveals that he struggles to discern any meaning at all in his life. Often, one says something, but thinks another. Holden Caulfield’s thoughts thoroughly enable readers to see his nihilism. For instance, when Holden speaks with his old History teacher Mr. Spencer, Mr. Spencer states that “Life is a game...” and although it seems as if Holden agrees, he really thinks “Game, my ass. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right - I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing. No game.” (Salinger, 8) This demonstrates that Holden has no zest for life and that he struggles to see how anyone could feel passion or find meaning in life, especially a life like his. Another illustration of the deficiency of significance Holden ascribes to life occurs when he confesses “I feel some concern for my future, all right. But not too much, I guess. Not too much, I guess."(14) Holden’s indifferent
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