The Catcher in the Rye

Why does Holden have such a difficult time fitting in with his peers and adults?

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Holden as a keen eye for the hypocrisy of the human condition. He has some intense teenage angst and seems to navigate through it with a very intelligent, and pessimistic, take on human nature. Unfortunately, Holden doesn't see these same qualities in himself. He sets himself apart from others in an attempt to validate his "superior" insight into the nature of most people. He is surrounded by a rather elitist and entitled prep-school culture which probably adds to Holden's critique of a selfish society. Holden is also one strange kid!