Catcher in the Rye: Journal Assignment Throughout the novel, Holden uses his isolation from society as a form of protection. He feels as if he is excluded from society, has no purpose in life and is constantly trying to find meaning for his existence. As the novel progresses, readers see that Holden uses his sense of superiority as a way to cover up his insecurities. Holden feels that because he is better than everyone else, there is no reason to interact with them. However, even though Holden acts emotionless he does have feelings but expresses them differently.
FATHER/SON RELATIONSHIP Blacky’s relationship with his father is integral in moulding the adolescent that he is. Although the relationship between the two is clearly negative, it somewhat helps him to look past the fatherly influences, and to seek positive role models to assist him through the journey to maturity. Blacky’s self-esteem levels are low due to the negative relationship and he expects no support from his father. His relationship with his mother, the relationships he develops with other men assist Blacky in developing the courage to stand up for what he believes in. During the course of the novel of ‘Deadly Unna?’ the readers are exposed to the negativity between the father and his son.
He also comments on how they tend to grow old faster, revealing his shallow nature, however the former is our focus here. This comment exposes how extreme, and in many ways traditional, Sir Elliot’s views are – he is disgusted by the fact that hard work could overcome unfortunate class sitting. He would much rather people’s social status be immovable. We can suppose that had he been born into a lower class family, he would feel entirely different on this topic, although he is proven to be too self-absorbed to make any such consideration. Throughout the novel, the social change taking place in real life England is expressed by the
Amir wishes that Baba would “let him be the favourite” but even though Hassan isn’t Baba’s son he will still always treat him fairly to Amir. Amir’s bitterness towards Hassan perhaps makes Amir an unreliable narrator because the jealousness allows Amir to take over the novel with his emotions rather than Hassan’s emotions, which means the reader only have Amir’s opinions to rely on rather than an general overview of the events. This makes Amir an unreliable narrator because he can choose exactly what he wants to tell the reader as his bitterness
He actively searches for answers to the unexplainable tragedies he experiences. Both Bartleby and J.B. deteriorate with time, but for different reasons. Bartleby’s deterioration is a product of his apathy and isolationism while J.B.’s deterioration is caused by the sudden tragic loss of his loved ones and sense of purpose. Initially, Bartleby and J.B. both seem to have typical lifestyles. Bartleby seems eager to do “an extraordinary quantity of writing.” He is “famishing for something to copy.” (648) He accomplishes what is expected of him without protest.
These two themes show the ugly side of war. Insanity among the soldiers and the way they view each other is very unusual. The soldiers can’t conform to one another or follow a common set of rules. The reader also sees that regardless of his mental state, Yossarian can’t be discharged. The theme of death, is one that is against war.
It is obvious that he has betrayed his principles but he has not become as engagé in the war as Pyle. During the novel we learn that Fowler’s main principle is his detachment. This is incredibly important for Fowler along with his ability to deal with external things and not his own thoughts and feelings and the fact that he has “no real opinion about anything”. He tries to hide his expressions of emotions and opinions from those around him particularly Phuong and Pyle. He is very quick to correct himself if he believes he is beginning to take a side or become involved.
Shakespeare’s Othello presents us with a tragedy that highlights the concept of not belonging and being an outsider. Individuals within the text hold certain attributes and behaviours which isolate them from society. Iago is an example of an individual that does not want and does not intend on belonging with the Society. The fact that Iago never becomes close to the other characters and instead uses them to assist his plan in destroying Othello, shows his lack of involvement and elevated sense of superiority. Iago’s separation from Society allows him to manipulate and deceive
Belonging also has a potential downside, if circles are drawn and people develop groups, then belonging can become inclusive and exclusive, as seen in both Great Expectations and Silas Marner. Silas Marner is the story of the title character and his relationship with the community of Raveloe in which he lives. Much of the novel’s dramatic force is generated by the tension between Silas and the society of Raveloe. Silas, who goes from having a sense of belonging with a tight-knit community to being utterly alone and then back again, is a perfect vehicle for Eliot to explore the relationship of belonging between the individual and the surrounding community. Silas ultimately doesn’t belong in Lantern Yard.
Graham Greene’s, The Quiet American, explores the story of an ignorant ‘quiet’ American and a restrained Englishman. These characters, although good friends, are very different people and this can be judged through their everyday life. Due to their dissimilarity, it draws them closer like the two polar magnets, which is an example of why and how opposites attract in day-to-day life. Pyle and Fowler differ in their beliefs and the way they impact the society they live in. This can be measured in their political side of each life, and also the treatment of and love for Phuong.