Holden finds it difficult struggling to find a sense of belonging and identity within society. He finds it hard to assimilate with adults and relate to them; often calling them phonies. Without realising, Holden brings isolation upon himself as he is highly critical of others, having a bad outlook on the adult world. He is not an adult or a child which makes it difficult for him to be accepted and find belonging. Teenagers in the 1950’s were alienated in society therefore highlighting Holden’s situation. Holden separates himself from others, he is the cause of his own loneliness and isolation, blaming his feelings on others around him.

Finds it difficult to control his emotions and it slowly accumulates throughout the text. As Holden is mentally unstable, very insignificant events lead him to have these mental breakdowns. For example his date with Sally had evoked him to have a response of running away from his hometown. Holden often feels the need to run away from his problems in order to prevent falling into the world of adult hood. Another example displayed through the book is where his younger negotiates with him about money. He has a mental breakdown as he had placed financial reliance on his sister rather than himself. Holden doesn't admit the fact that he lacks maturity and responsibility and that he should be taking care of his sister rather than the opposite. This is portrayed through the quote where “All of the sudden, (he) started to cry. (he) couldn’t help it…. but once (he) get(s) started, (he) can’t just stop on a goddamn dime”. As Holden has the tendency to alienate himself, he finds it difficult to have the right people to talk to. He contemplates calling certain people and talks to strangers about his difficulties.