Holden Caulfield from “The Catcher in the Rye” and Scout Finch from “To Kill a Mockingbird” are two iconic protagonists in American literature. They have some overlapping traits – both struggle to understand their surroundings and possess strong moral values. Holden rebels against society, while Scout is naive due to her young age. Holden is lonely, and Scout is innocent. Holden is disillusioned by his wealthy upbringing, and Scout experiences racial inequality in her small southern town. Despite their differences, both characters provide valuable perspectives in their coming-of-age stories, making them beloved and celebrated literary figures.
Holden Caulfield vs. Scout Finch: The Classic Novel Protagonist Battle Royale
Introduction
Holden Caulfield from J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye” and Scout Finch from Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” are two of the most iconic protagonists in modern American literature. While the two characters from two different novels decades apart, they have some overlaps in their personalities and experiences. Let us explore and analyze two of the most beloved characters in American literature.
Holden’s Rebellion
Holden Caulfield, the protagonist in J.D. Salinger’s “The Catcher in the Rye,” is a restless and troubled teenager who has been expelled from his prep school. He is in a state of crisis and is trying to come to grips with adulthood. Holden is constantly rebelling against the norms of society, and he becomes frustrated with the phony or insincere behavior he observes in other people. He is disgusted by the hypocrisy of those around him and spends his time wandering around New York City, trying to find his place in the world.
Scout’s Naivete
On the other hand, Scout Finch from Harper Lee’s “To Kill a Mockingbird” is a young tomboy with a very curious and open-minded outlook towards the world. Scout’s age and innocence are evident in the way that she struggles to understand the complexities of the world around her. Despite her young age, she witnesses a great deal of violence and bigotry in her small town and becomes disillusioned with the idea of justice and fairness.
Holden’s Loneliness
Holden Caulfield is an extremely lonely character. While he is surrounded by people, he struggles to connect with them because he feels like they are not genuine. Holden’s loneliness is evident in the way that he tries to reach out to strangers and tries to form new connections with people, but ultimately fails to do so. This feeling of loneliness is a central theme of the novel and is what ultimately leads Holden to his breakdown.
Scout’s Innocence
Scout’s innocence is both a strength and a weakness. While she is able to view the world with an unbiased and understanding eye, she is also somewhat naive and does not yet understand the complexities and hardships that people face. Scout’s innocence is particularly evident in her interactions with Boo Radley, the mysterious neighbor who intrigued Scout and her brother Jem throughout the novel. While the children were scared of Boo Radley, Scout’s compassion and understanding ultimately helped bring the three of them together and create a lasting bond.
Their Shared Traits
Despite their differences, Holden and Scout share some common traits. Both of these characters struggle to understand the realities of the world around them and are always grappling with complex emotions and difficult situations. They both possess a strong sense of morality and are deeply troubled by injustice and inequality. Holden and Scout are also both loners to some extent, with few true friends of their own age with whom they can confide.
Their Unique Experiences
Holden and Scout also have very different life experiences. Holden has grown up in a privileged and wealthy family, attending exclusive prep schools and being exposed to a lifestyle that Scout could never dream of. This has left Holden feeling deeply disillusioned and frustrated with the wealth and privilege that he has grown up with. Scout, on the other hand, has grown up in a small town in the south that is rife with racial tensions and inequality. She is exposed to the ugliness of the world in a very different way than Holden.
Conclusion
Holden Caulfield and Scout Finch are two iconic protagonists that continue to captivate readers and spark debate today. Each character represents a different kind of coming-of-age story, with differing experiences and outlooks on the world. While neither character is perfect, Holden and Scout provide readers with a unique lens through which to view the world and will continue to be beloved and celebrated for years to come.