In the novel Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield displays characteristics of the cynic's mentality. Holden hates everything about the world, he finds it "phony" (Salinger). That mentality in itself may very well be a defense mechanism that Holden displays when he is uncomfortable or put into a certain position, perhaps when he is nervous. Cynicism is a view on life that people develop through life experiences. Where, when, and how Holden developed a cynical personality and why he uses it tell a lot about the character Holden in depth.
Webster's Dictionary defines the wo…
