Chapter 10 Summary - Devishna

In this chapter, a few examples are shown where Holden finds himself in situations where he doesn't fit in, a link to the theme of alienation from society. Throughout the book, Holden is by himself after he leaves Pencey and this signifies the beginning of his withdrawal from his surroundings. In Chapter 10, Holden has already checked into a hotel and is getting ready to visit the night club called The Lavender Room downstairs. He begins to reflect on his younger sister, Phoebe, where he shows a great deal of admiration for her, and in comparison with the majority of the chapter, Holden sounds optimistic and affectionate which indicates that Phoebe is someone who holds a significant role in Holden's life and possibly the fact that she may be one of the very few poeple that Holden is capable of trusting and willing to understand. Comparatively, Holden rarely speaks about his parents, which suggests the very little influence that hold in his life, perhaps owing to the reason that he cannot connect with, or understand them. This theory is supported by the quote, "But I was too afraid my parents would answer, and then they'd find out I was in New York and kicked out of Pencey and all." This signifies his detachment from not only society, but from his own family as well. Further emphasis of Holden's reclusiveness lies in this quote , comparing himself with his sister and his family, "She's really smart. I mean she's had all A's ever since she started school. As a matter of fact, I'm the only dumb one in the family." This comparison identifies Holden's clear admiration for his sister's academic talent and he puts this inversely with his lack of any such talent. This could be taken as Holden's way of listing another difference between himself and society, another reason behind the barrier created between him and society.

Adversely, in the rest of the chapter when Holden is not talking about Phoebe, the tone changes to one majorly of cynicism. "I'm the only really dumb one." This example portrays a particular emotion in Holden to be identified as one of helplessness, yet his filure to do anything about it and the fact that he doesn't particularly care. Such a portrayal displays Holden's difficulty in finding any possible connection with the world around him. Another example is during the dance he shares with Bernice at the night club. "What a lady, boy. A queen for Chrissake." His cynical tone is further emphasised by the use of italics, and this drives the reader to ask, why Holden is so frequently bitter towards everyone. This could also lead to suggest a connection with past childhood events such as his brother's death which have lead him to shut himself away.
His lack of will to conform to society has highlighted his independant nature, which withdraws him from discovering any similarities or common ground with anyone.