Holden is everyone's favorite pessimist. Throughout the entire book, he is constantly complaining about something. The only thing he likes is kids. Why does he have such aggression? It could be because of his brother dying. It could also be because he is a closet homosexual and he can't come to terms with it.
Holden often mentioned himself as "confused." What was he so confused about though? Also, he described Stradlater, Ackley, and Spencer's bodies a little too vividly. Notice he never really described any of the girls' bodies. He read into Carl Luce and Mr. Antolini as "flits", even though they may have not been. He complained about not being able to "get sexy with a girl" and he did not even have sex with Sunny when he so clearly had the chance to.
Some closet homosexuals that are unhappy with the fact tend to be homophobic. Holden was afraid to sleep sometimes because he was afraid to wake up and be gay. These feelings can fuel up and make them hate on everything, expecially other homosexuals. There was a couple theories of Hitler being a closet gay, since he sent all homosexuals to concentration camps.
If J.D. Salinger did intend for Holden to be gay, he did a better job at expressing it than J.K. Rowling did. In 2006 J.K. Rowling randomly mentions that Dumbledore has been gay all these years. The thing is there really is not much proof for this. He mentions once about his relationship with his "friend" Grindelwald. He also ties his beard with a little ribbon, which kind of makes him look like he's going to Hogwart's senior prom.
This is very interesting. I never caught on to any of these things. Why would he describe guys bodies and not girls that is a little weird. Also his denying the hooker.
ReplyDeleteI also never knew that Dumbledore was gay that is really weird to know now. Why would they just randomly mention that?
All of this is just bizzare, but interesting.
After readng tCitR, it's really easy to see Holden as homosexual. I know he isn't real, but I feel bad for him... Gays are hurt enough nowadays, but then.. jeez. So I don't think it's all Holden's fault that he's so angry and whatnot, society isn't exactly going to be nice and he knows it.
ReplyDeleteAs for your last paragraph, it's sad that people think it's such a big deal. As an American, if the protagonist isn't a white, well-off, straight male, the reader must be told. Dumbledore was probably smart enough to be chill with his sexuality. And I'm curious--why does there need to be "proof"? Just because someone is homosexual does not mean they fit the stereotype. They are still a person, and people are as varied as can be.
This blog is very interesting bridget. I read the Harry Potter series when I was younger and not very intelligent, and I didnt even pick up on Dumbledore being gay. Also I have never heard of hitler being gay, but that is an interesting theory. Good job Bridget!
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