Discuss the theme of alienation in "the Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger and "The Chocolate War" by Robert Cormier.

Growing Up and Loathing It Alienation can be interpreted as loneliness caused by the lack of understanding of others, and may be caused by oneself or inflicted upon by another. During teenage years, boys are especially susceptible to the anguish felt as a result of alienation. Jerry Renault, the protagonist of the Chocolate War, is encumbered by both the alienation imposed upon himself, and that which is burdened upon him by a secret society known …

…Allie in the first place. He never admits it, but the reader can conclude that it is true. This fact weighs heavily on Holden's heart and disillusions his own identity causing profound alienation. All of the emotional distresses that occupy Holden provide many levels of loneliness for Holden Caufield to incorporate into his life. Works Cited Cormier, Robert. The Chocolate War. New York: Dell, 1974. Salinger, J. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Bantam Books, 1945