<p>Aww, some other time then?</p>
<p>Why not? We’re already way too deep for my comfort level. I agree with Tetris, you can be mature and yet still possess your childlike ideals. Its something about not letting the world’s and societal norms and opinions be pressed upon you while still growing up and thinking like a rational adult. It may seem childlike because maybe many of us used to think like them once upon a time and have “grown up” but maybe its simply holding strong to youthful ideals.</p>
<p>There, now, don’t I sound smart? Have I managed to fool you all?</p>
<p>Haha. I agree with what gappy said. I think that combination of maturity and childlikeness is what Holden exhibits.</p>
<p>Bilgy, it’s just that Holden has the logic to see that AND he’s so passionate that it frustrates him. It’s sensitivity and passion, that’s all there is to it. I don’t know what he’d be like in real life, but as a fictional character I don’t interact with I find him incredibly appealing.</p>
<p>And I agree, they’re not exclusive at all! Childlikeness is not childishness anyway. AND YES GAPPY THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT I MEAN. :)</p>
<p>Let’s all be mature and childlike!</p>
<p>Yes, lets be mature and childlike. Yay for me actually understanding what you smartie pants are saying.</p>
<p>Where’s Bilguun? We probably scared him away. Come back, we promise to be nice(r).</p>
<p>Aren’t we already. :D</p>
<p>Also gappy, have I told you that I love you today? :)</p>
<p>I love allllllll of you. CCers are the coolest people I have ever met.</p>
<p>
This is what Holden does
while this is what Holden doesn’t, and that’s what I don’t like about him. Also, I don’t see how he can be clever; he may be stubborn in his beliefs, but intellectually, he’s just the average American Joe.</p>
<p>
</p>
<p>I wasn’t necessarily arguing for Holden, because I haven’t read the book and have no idea who Holden is. I’ll let my ladies (oh wow I sound like a pimp) rebut you on that point.</p>
<p>@Quasi : Haha I know. I think its because we all have something in common, the desire to experience academic curiosity and be challenged intellectually. Apart from a few friends, I don’t think I can say that about anyone else here.</p>
<p>What’s appealing about Holden is that he is an average sixteen-year-old - whiny, makes irrational decisions, curses a lot, is confused - while still being sensitive and passionate and actually bothering to think about things instead of pretending everything is all right. He d’oesn’t acept things and he doesn’t fake how he feels.</p>
<p>And no, it’s NOT what he does, he doesn’t believe in theworlds opinions. He doesn’t act like an adulteither, butwhat 16 yearold does?</p>
<p>I’m not completely done with the book myself, gappy!</p>
<p>He’s passionate, sensitive, and average but does he think? Doesn’t he just react?</p>
<p>@tetris : Yes, but you actually know who Holden Caulfield is and can get involved in this debate. I, on the other hand, have no knowledge of this person. The book is recommended, yes? I don’t know why, but I didn’t enjoy Persuasion. Has anyone read Anna Karenina and recommend it?</p>
<p>I recommend it! Nice book. Persuasion was not as nice, but still very good after crap like Twilight.</p>
<p>He does think. You don’t reach the conclusions he does without thinking.
Edit: Recommend it too.
Persuasion by Austen? I’m NOT a fan of hers.</p>
<p>He thinks like he had stopped thinking when he was five.</p>
<p>^ Mmmm, LOL</p>
<p>He does react impulsively, but he does so because his central philosophy is that he’s not gonna fake crap.</p>
<p>Simplistic? Yes. Thoughtless? No.</p>
<p>I have to go study for my exam tomorrow for a little bit. I will be back and we can continue with this if y’all want.</p>
<p>Guys, how do you say “I love you” in your respective languages? :D</p>