Holden Caulfield is a young man trapped in cynical lifestyle in which he is incapable of trusting or loving anyone, often times including himself. Holden is often a troublemaker at school because of his judgmental attitude and carefree lifestyle, making it near impossible for him to view his life as anything other than a failure. Holden Caulfield, just like a typical teenager, often times questions his belief in God and dreads the thought of another school year surrounded mean professors, rich kids, and phonies.

Holden Caulfield’s damaged and tarnished outlook on life often times leads him to believe that he is not responsible for the majority of his mistakes. In a desperate attempt to remove himself from his cynical views he puts the blame on the people surrounding him. Holden, unable to see past one’s physical appearance, is constantly judging people, labeling them as phonies. Holden’s negative outlook on life makes it extremely difficult for him to maintain healthy relationships and make friends because he can’t seem to grasp the idea of going out of his way for the good of another person. Holden’s belief that the world is overpopulated by phonies is the direct link as to why he is unable to place any faith or trust in any of his very limited friends. Thinking of himself and his life as a failure, he finds it extremely difficult to love anyone, especially himself. Many of the people around Holden show lack of faith in him due to his lack of taking things seriously. Often times Holden starts a conversation by telling a lie in a desperate attempt to make it seem like his life is worth living. The people that Holden Caulfield considers friends view him as lazy and a waste of time due to his inability to take things seriously. Mr. Antolini, the one person that trusts and believes in Holden, only damages Holden’s already bruised trust issues after an awkward sexual confrontation.

Holden Caulfied, unable to cherish the opportunities provided to him by his parents, enjoys failing on purpose only making it harder for his parents to love him. Only able to view life negatively and polluted with phonies, Holden does not value life as a gift from God. He is unable to grasp the positive aspects of love, friendship, trust, and faith.

Holden finds it difficult to accept guidance from others because he doesn’t trust anyone to make decisions for him and he is unsure as to what is right for him. Holden doesn’t possess confidence in his ability to make decisions nor does he possess faith in others, which would ultimately allow him to seek help from other’s decisions.

Holden Caulfield is a man lacking faith because he takes no responsibility for his actions, ignores guidance from others, and is incapable of trusting and loving other people. The one loving relationship in Holden’s life is with his sister Phoebe, whom he often consults for advice. Although Holden is not solely to blame for his lack of faith, he only digs himself into a deeper hole by ignoring others guidance, lying, and lack of seriousness. A faith-filled person often times places trust in friends and family in order to move toward the direction he or she would like to accomplish. People of faith trust the guidance given to them by others accepting every step of the way as a new challenge toward moving them in a positive direction.