J. D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, is widely acknowledged as one of the most self-destructive novels ever written. Holden Caulfield, the novel’s protagonist, is renowned for his anti-social behavior and self-loathing demeanor depicted in the book. Similar to Holden, Napoleon Dynamite, the central character in Jared Hess’ 2004 film Napoleon Dynamite, is also identified by his stereotypical nerd-like actions within school and his tendency to isolate himself.
Both Holden and Napoleon use a similar strategy of putting others down as a means of isolating themselves. However, they have contrasting perspectives on their solitary existence. While Holden longs for the people he once connected with, Napoleon is satisfied with being alone. Even though Holden appreciates being by himself, he also yearns for the companionship of those who were once in his life. He reflects on this by stating, “All I know is that I kind of miss everyone I told… It’s strange. Never tell anyone anything. If you do, you start missing everyone.”
Holden expresses a desire for the individuals he has described, acknowledging that even though he tends to distance himself from society, he still yearns for his former companions (Salinger, 214). Conversely, Napoleon prefers solitude and harbors a dislike for socializing. When questioned about school by his grandmother, his response is pessimistic: “The most terrible day of my existence. What is your opinion?” (Hess, Grandma/Napoleon). This perspective towards education implies that Napoleon does not enjoy learning in a traditional setting or engaging with individuals outside his familiar circles.
Holden and Napoleon exhibit contrasting responses to solitude as well as distinct perspectives on the world and their assessment of others’ qualities. Although both tend to pass judgments when encountering individuals, Napoleon possesses the ability to refrain from belittling others and even show admiration, as evidenced by his compliments towards Pedro when questioned about his popularity.
Napoleon expresses his support for Pedro’s candidacy in class presidency by saying, “Heck yes! I’d vote for you.” Pedro questions his abilities, to which Napoleon responds, “Well, you have a sweet bike” and mentions his talent in attracting girls. Additionally, Napoleon highlights the uniqueness of Pedro having a mustache among the students. This demonstrates Napoleon’s admiration for Pedro’s capabilities, rather than belittling him. In contrast, Holden formulates a negative impression of Ackley upon their initial meeting in the novel. Holden describes Ackley as “one of these very, very tall, round-shouldered guys – he was about six four – with lousy teeth.”
Throughout the entirety of our time as roommates, I never witnessed him engaging in the act of brushing his teeth. His teeth consistently appeared covered in moss-like texture and were utterly unattractive. Additionally, his face was plagued with an excessive amount of pimples, over and above the typical areas such as the forehead or chin seen in most males. Furthermore, his personality was repulsive, making it quite unpleasant to be in his presence. Holden expresses a similar sentiment towards Ackley, his neighbor and former roommate as depicted in Salinger’s novel (19). This serves as a distinct contrast to Napoleon’s endorsement of Pedro’s campaign for class president, underscoring their differing perspectives when evaluating others and the individuals they come across.
Both Holden and Napoleon have different perspectives on their isolation and perceive their isolated worlds differently. They are both judgmental but respond differently when their families intrude into their personal space. Holden has a strong bond with his younger sister Phoebe, whom he deeply cherishes. In contrast, Napoleon criticizes his uncle and older brother for questioning his life decisions. Unlike Holden, Napoleon lacks emotional support or a close relationship with anyone in his family.
Both Napoleon’s uncle Rico and older brother Kip confront him, making him disgruntled about his life choices.
“Uncle Rico: It would be better if you didn’t give me that look, Napoleon.
Napoleon expresses his desire for the other person to leave his life and stop talking to him.
Uncle Rico boasts about his financial success while criticizing the speaker for engaging in a less lucrative activity like playing Patty cake with their friend Pedro.
Napoleon boastfully claimed that he could earn the same amount of money within a span of five seconds!
Kip: Wow, Napoleon. I actually made 75 bucks today.
Uncle Rico tells Napoleon that he doesn’t have a job and suggests that he should go out and feed Tina.
Napoleon expressed his frustration towards his uncle Rico and brother Kip, telling them to go eat a decroded piece of crap. This incident demonstrates how Napoleon sees his family as hostile and unsupportive, causing him to withdraw into his own world. On the other hand, Holden has a close bond with his sister. When Phoebe discovered that Holden had been expelled from school again, she became concerned and cautioned him about their father’s anger. I firmly told her to stop worrying, stating that nobody would harm me.
Holden notices Phoebe’s distress over his expulsion and tries to shield her by advising her not to worry. This illustrates the deep bond between Holden and his sister. As Phoebe questions Holden about his expulsion, he realizes that her concern reflects the worry he sees in his own world. This contrasts with Napoleon, who distances himself from his own family to isolate himself in his own realm.
The quote highlights how Holden tries to reassure Phoebe that everything will be okay by saying, “Nobody’s gonna even – C’mon, Phoeb, take that goddamn thing off your head. Nobody’s gonna kill me” (Salinger, 165).
Holden Caulfield and Napoleon Dynamite have similarities in how they assume other people’s traits, but they differ in their perception of their isolated worlds. Holden views his world as a ship maneuvering through a society that he despises, while maintaining a intimate bond with his family and sister. In contrast, Napoleon also sails in the same sea as Holden, but he prefers to be accompanied by his friends Pedro and Debbie and chooses to keep it that way.
Both the novel and the film deliver a shared message of not making judgments based on appearances, highlighting the idea that there is always more than meets the eye. They serve as a reminder that every person faces their own unique challenges, which may not be immediately evident. Regardless of outward appearances, each individual possesses qualities that differentiate them and make them exceptional.
Works Cited:
- Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1951.
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Napoleon Dynamite. Dir. Jared Hess. Fox Searchlight Pictures, Paramount Pictures, 2004. Film.
http://www.moviefanatic.com/quotes/movies/napoleon-dynamite/
