"The Other Side"

It is a well-known fact that Holden is an outcast. It is seen several times throughout the novel where he deems himself different from others, and sometimes even as superior, such as when he refers to phonies. Holden makes a reference to being from "the other side." He claims that he feels trapped on this side and unable to assimilate into the real world, the rest of society. An example of his failure to assimilate can be seen in his actions that led to his expulsion from many schools, such as Pency Prep. He was unable to conform to the specific needs of the teachers and this led him to fail in everything except English. This "other side" seems to keep him separate from others and leave him unable to truly associate and make friends. This fact keeps him further entrenched in his reoccurring state of depression and cynical behavior, a major motif.