Judging others is a natural trait for humans, but many take it too far. Whether it's sharing their opinions when it's not necessary or making rude comments toward others without lack of remorse, people don't realize the effects that judging others can have on their behavior and emotions. Holden Caulfield, from JD Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, highlights this concept. Throughout Salinger's novel, the reader comes to the conclusion that Holden is extremely critical of those around him. Holden's criticism of others is a fear-based defense mechanism, as he feels judged by the adult world around him; in turn, he imposes his feelings on others to justify his own thoughts, hiding behind a "phony" exterior that he has created to deflect the criticism he feels from others. When we look at a person, we automatically judge them based on their general appearance. Holden does this a lot, starting with Selma Thurmer. He states, “She had a big nose and her nails were all chewed up and bleeding and she wore these damn fakes” (Salinger 3). He instantly judges her because he asks her that she looks ugly and she's trying too hard to be pretty, but in his opinion, she's not. Holden's judgment is based slightly on fear of the unknown; “he puts women on a comfortably distant pedestal” and never thinks twice about it (Maple). However, fears are not the only aspect that determines Holden's judgment; it's his idea of ​​having to live up to the standards of your life that approaches his future. The adult world disturbs him with its sophisticated ideas and values. "What bothers Holden about the world he finds himself in is adults and their values; he believes that the world belongs to adults and he...... middle of paper ......rown, 1951 . Print.Seng, Peter J. “The Fallen Idol: The Immature World of Holden Caulfield” College English 23.3 (December 1961): 203-209. Web Resource Center, March 10, 2014. http: //go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=gale%7ch1100000724&V=2.1&u=m years90319 & it = R & P = LITRC & SW = W & ASID =. dear in the Rye." Part Blood, Part Ketchup: Coming of Age in American Literature and Film: Lexington Books, Inc., 2007. 33-45. Rpt. in Review of Children's Literature Ed. Jelena Krstovic. Vol. do ?id=GALE%7CH14201140 74&v=2.1&u=mans90319&it=r&p=LitRC&sw=w&asid=7d81a8521e4ee766775 5115e976291ac.