Marmee thinks she has discovered her true self, because she is so much older than the other girls, but when she announces that “[she] is angry nearly everyday of [her] life” (83, Alcott) she changes her mind. Marmee is the kind of person who appears to be happy all the time, so when the girls find out that she is not as happy as she first appears to be they are all pretty shocked. In reality Marmee is mad at herself everyday, but she hides it from the girls so they can be happy. Holden Caulfield feels similar to Marmee, except he is shocked with himself.
When Holden calls the prostitute up to his hotel room he feels very mature, but when he asks her if “[she] minds cutting it out” (97, Salinger) he is not so sure about his maturity level. Holden appeared mature to the Sunny the prostitute, but in reality he is not mature enough to have a prostitute. In addition, Meg wants to be herself but in some situations it is hard for her. Meg is invited to a rich party, and being from the opposite culture it can be a tough decision to make.
At the beginning “[she] is afraid to go down [to the ball room, she] feels so queer and stiff” (95, Alcott), but her friends convince her that “[she doesn’t] look a bit like [herself], but [she looks] very nice” (96, Alcott).
Meg may first appear to be rich, but in reality she is from the complete opposite culture, poor. Holden also gets put into awkward situations like Meg. Sometimes “[he doesn’t] feel very much like [himself]… ” (96, Salinger), and in conversations it can be difficult. Holden may appear that he is confident with himself, but in reality he is not sure of whom he is so he covers that up.
The Term Paper on Perception Of Reality
Each of the three authors, Lewis Carroll, Samuel Beckett, and C.S. Lewis are able to create their own perception of reality through the manipulation of characters and use of literary devices. However, reality is an individual concept and thus each author has a distinct perception of it that becomes apparent in his writing: in Carroll’s Alice’s Adventure in Wonderland, Alice goes beyond ...
Therefore, discovering your inner you can make you appear like someone you are really not. Secondly, Holden from The Catcher in the Rye, and Meg, Jo and Laurie from Little Women, both experience lying in many different ways. Jo March is an avid writer and her dream is to have her stories in the newspapers. Marmee is against her career choice, so Jo must keep it secret. When Jo would “[produce] another manuscript, [she would put] both in her pocket, [creep] quickly down the stairs” (157, Alcott) and out the door.
If anyone saw her in the streets, it may appear she is just going for a walk, but in reality she is lying about submitting her manuscripts. On the other hand, Holden lies about everything. He claims that “[he is] the most terrific liar you have ever [seen] in your life” (16, Salinger).
When Holden lies it may seem that he is telling the truth, but in reality he is just trying to cover up so he won’t get in trouble. In addition, Meg and Mr. Brooke may have a relationship to develop, but it can all change with one little lie. Meg receives a note that appears to be from Mr.
Brooke, but this one was different, it was “all sealed up” (219, Alcott).
This was very “odd [because] teddy never seals [Jo’s]” (219, Alcott).
Because it was so different Meg soon finds out that “it’s all a mistake-he didn’t send it” (219, Alcott), and their relationship get’s put on hold because of it. The letter first appeared to be from Mr. Brooke, but in reality it was Laurie trying to interfere with their relationship. Holden has experienced similar experiences, not only from the lying point of things, but also from the relationship experience.
Holden has never really been able to keep a steady and strong relationship, but that is because no one can trust. Holden “just [keeps] lying [his] head off” (97, Salinger) and it has gotten to a point that he cannot stop himself. People cannot trust him because it may first appear that he is telling the truth, but in reality he is lying all the time. Therefore, lying can create many problems for you because you are making something appear different than it really is in reality. Finally, Holden from The Catcher in the Rye, and Laurie from Little Women, both experience protection in many different ways.
The Essay on Holden Word One Hat
Many authors have noted that almost every swear word in the English language is used freely in this novel except for the word "shit," which never occurs. Instead of saying "bullshit" (a word which was not uncommon in the 1950 s), Holden instead says "shoot the bull." The only plausible explanation for this is simply to add to the realism of the story-Holden himself has some reservations with ...
Holden covers up a lot of things about himself because he is insecure. Wearing “[his] red hunting hat really [gives him] quite a lot of protection, in a way, but [he loves that hat so much that he would get] it wet” (212-213, Salinger) anytime that he would need to. Holden’s red hunting hat gives him an overwhelming amount of protection and self-confidence, because the hat reminds him so much of Phoebe and Allie. Holden is very close to his siblings, Phoebe “has this sort of red hair, a little bit like Allie’s” (67, Salinger) and Holden’s hat is red.
When Holden put’s on his hat, he feels so protected because he feels so close to Allie and Phoebe. To other people on the street his hat may just look like a regular hat, but in reality it serves a great purpose to Holden. In addition, Laurie Laurence may feel shut in, but his grandfather is just trying to protect him. Laurie believes “that [he] is suffering for society and fun, his grandfather don’t know what’s good for him” (49, Alcott), but in reality his grandfather is trying to protect him from music so that he can be more successful in life.
Laurie wants to follow his dreams of becoming a musician, but if he does he will disappoint his grandfather. It gets to a point where they have to “bring that boy down to his dinner, tell him it’s alright, and advise him not to put on tragedy… ”(228, Alcott).
To Laurie it may appear to be over protection and a way to crush his dreams, but in reality his grandfather wants him to be successful and happy. Therefore, protection can come in many different ways, and may not look like protection, but it can get you many places in life.
In conclusion, both Holden Caulfield from The Catcher in the Rye, and the girls from, Little Women, experience that things are not as they first seem to be. The many different ways to experience appearance vs. reality is overwhelming, from being someone different, to lying and protection. All teenagers experience this during their adolescence and sometimes adults do to. Therefore, appearance vs. reality can be shown in any way to anyone. Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1951. 214. Alcott, Louisa May. Little Women. New York: Roberts Brothers, 1868. 520.
