Today the age-old phrase; "To thine ownself be true" shines along with many other memorable quotes and sayings in literature around the world. Not only was it directly used in Shakespeare's celebrated play "Hamlet", it was integrated in somewhat subtle ways, in each individuals own philosophy. One writer's interpretation, while merging with life experiences gave birth to an almost equally treasured American classic. J.D. Salinger's main character, Holden Caulfield, from the novel Catcher in the Rye, is a jaded, yet insightful youth n the road to total breakdown. As Holden loses himself to his own depression, his negative perceptions grow more and more vivid and criticisms more cynical. Everywhere he seems to go he sees "phonies"- artificial and ingenuine, hypocritical, or overly-dramatic people, a nature that he hates.

Through Holden's constant repetition of the word "phony" in many instances one can understand his disposition towards those...