Catcher in the rye: help?

Question

i have to answer this question:

Holden criticizes virtually all the young people he encounters. They appear to be unaware of the complex world outside of school and personal desires. Is his criticism of adolescent egotism accurate?

the problem is that i dont remember him criticizing all the young people he encounters. when does he?

Answer 1

Sally Hayes, the girl he went on a date with, is a subject of his criticism. He makes the poor girl cry. Ummm, Ward Stradlater. He despises him because he's a "secret slob." Ackley is another one he doesn't like. Holden comments on basically everyone, and usually it's negative. How I saw it was he is stuck in between the adult and adolescent world. He wants to be part of the adult society, but his insecurities brought on by his brother's (Allie) death holds him back. The whole book is basically about him working through these problems he has relating to people, which all trace back to Allie's passing.

Answer 2

these were not criticisms as much as observations,  his perspective is his reality, remember he was under stress for his repeated academic failings, he was having health issues, he was at the crossroads of life between adolescence and manhood

not a bad commentary for someone who read the book 45 years ago!

Answer 3

Holden projects all of his own flaws and failings on the people around him.  It is his way of protecting himself.  Adolescence is certainly sometimes a period of egotism, though there are no absolutes.  

Have a look at these study guides and they should help you answer the question.

http://www.bellmore-merrick.k12.ny.us/ca...

http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/catcher/

http://www.gradesaver.com/classicnotes/t...

http://www.cummingsstudyguides.net/Guide...

http://www.allgreatquotes.com/catcher_in...

http://classiclit.about.com/od/catcherin...