Holden philosophizes about the materialistic world that surrounds him, but rarely “feels like going into [his]” (1) own life. Scarring memories, feelings of inadequacy and an overriding sense of loneliness keep him at arms length from scrutiny of his life. His social class culture of shifting Prep schools and his families prior success proved Holden a failure. By not taking on the role of the perfect, prep boy, Holden avoids talking about himself by repeatedly speaking of his siblings accomplishments. The sunglasses illustrate Holden’s way of shielding not only the reader, family and friends but also himself from self analysis. Disguising his problems and imperfections with an armor of sorts, when he faces the metaphorical mirror and sees nothing.

Eyes: