Arrogance in The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger...

Arrogance, also known as narcissism, is like a brand new car because an arrogant person is flamboyant and distinctive. Arrogance is a very widely known character trait in which many people can identify. Studies show that â€Å"1 in every 6 people is a narcissist† (Peterson, 2014, bullet 5). Many humans have encountered, know, or are a narcissistic human, but what does arrogance really mean? According to merriam-webster.com (2014), the definition of arrogance is, â€Å"an insulting way of thinking or behaving that comes from believing you are better, smarter,or more important than other people† (Def. 1). In the novels The Catcher in the Rye and Siddhartha, the main characters both possess the trait of arrogance, but both express the trait in†¦show more content†¦One would think a narcissist would be a smooth talker, but as Kaufman (2011) found from talking to Nicholas Holtzman and Michael Strube, narcissists â€Å"engaged in more disagreeable verbal behaviors, arguing and cursing more- and using more sexual language† (para. 11). Narcissist have less of a filter on words because cursing and arguments draw attention. Also, the narcissist may feel powerful by using this language to hurt others. Control is a key factor in every narcissist’s life, for without control over the other person, the narcissist would be unable to exploit the relationship to receive desires. In a nutshell, narcissists are manipulative, attractive, and verbally filterless in order to increase attention from others. Furthermore, the root cause for arrogance builds upon the dictionary definition of arrogance. In recurring instances, arrogance stems from how a person was raised during early childhood. Some psychologists believe arrogance is caused by â€Å"biological vulnerabilities, social interactions and early caregivers, and psychological factors that involve temperament and the ability to manage stress† (Goldberg, 2012, para. 3). All of these fac tors may lead to a need for pampering. The people who experience one or even all of these factors may feel inadequate and unimportant, so in order to get attention arrogance slowly forms. Gaining control of others allows for the narcissist to receive admirationShow MoreRelatedJ.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye595 Words   |  2 PagesResponsibility is considered to be a natural addition to life as people grow older. Holden Caulfield struggles to accept his responsibility in his life throughout the novel The Catcher in the Rye. During the course of the novel, Holden experiences the sudden pressure of responsibility caused by his actions. As his counter attack to the unwanted situations he faces, Holden does what most people would do and rejects the direction his life is now headed. Holden Caulfield shows his revulsion to acceptRead MoreEmotional Damage, Hidden Truths, and Accepting Responsibility in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye 1996 Words   |  8 PagesEmotional Damage, Hidden Truths, and Accepting Responsibility in J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye When one finds themselves in a reader’s position, they search for things in the novel that they can relate to. J. D. Salinger wrote a story that contained countless topics that people, past, present and future, can relate to in several ways. The novel follows the story of a troubled boy named Holden who leaves school due to his poor academic performance, an altercation with his roommate, and complications