Overcoming Their Illusory Selves.
The modern American novel since 1950 has been largely defined by a character's struggle to understand and satisfy the expectations of a rapidly changing American society. In response to this confusion, characters often seek to escape their troubles and, in turn, embark on a journey that leads to both self-identification and maturation. The Narrator in Jay McInerney's Bright Lights, Big City, and Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, are two such characters. In Bright Lights, Big City, the Narrator escapes family and marriage problems, coupled with his monotonous career, through the use of drugs and participation in the infamous New York City nightlife of the 1980's. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden escapes problems at school and the societal pressure to grow up by running away to New York City. Though both characters seem to differ on the surface, their personalities and their journeys are extremely similar. In fact, the Narrator and Holden are alike in that they both escape their similar problems by trying to be someone they are not. Ultimately, by realizing the futility of their illusory selves, the Narrator and Holden finally mature, discovering their true selves.
First of all, it is clear that both the Narrator and Holden are immature characters who passively fail to accept responsibility. The Narrator, who worked hard for his education and the opportunity to work for a top magazine in New York, foolishly snorts cocaine and drinks alcohol until sunrise. He uses drugs to psychologically avoid his problems and responsibilities. He constantly shows up to work late, and passively fails to put any substantial effort into the work that is given to him. The only obligations that the Narrator constantly satisfies involve his friend Tad Allagash, and these obligations always relate to partying, drugs and alcohol.
