Examples Of Empathy In Catcher In The Rye

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Holden understands the first part of Empathy, he understands the emotional make up of people. Holden knows what most people feel, he knows when people are sad and he knows the certain situations that might make people sad. He then goes out of his way to make sure he doesn’t harm anyone’s personal feelings, like before mentioned he explains to his History teacher Mr. Spencer that he shouldn’t feel bad about failing him, saying: “Dear Mr. Spencer. That’s all I know about the Egyptians. I can’t seem to get very interested in them although your lectures are very interesting. It is all right with me if you flunk me though as I am flunking everything else except English anyway. Respectfully yours, Holden Caulfield.” (15) There is no plea for a better grade, no excuses and no hits directed towards the teacher. Holden said what was obvious then stated that he should not feel bad for doing his job, he deserved it. Taking a hit on your grade just to make sure that the person…show more content…
Although Holden holds a large capacity for understanding the emotional make up of people he does not handle high tension moments with others. Holden has a short fuse with a little bomb. It is quick to anger him but generally he lacks the strength or physical ability to do any real harm. This is a saving grace to Holden considering when he is pushed past a certain point he can no longer treat people according to their emotional reactions. Another flaw that causes Holden to cause more mental anguish to himself. The fight with Stradlater is a perfect example of this. Once Holden started assuming Jane Gallagher had slept with Stradlater, he was no longer able to sense the rising level of aggression coming from Stradlater whenever Holden called him a moron. Holden will do whatever it takes to make sure your feelings are not hurt so long as his fuse has not been
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