JD Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye is a compelling narrative on themes of isolation and individualism. Holden Caulfield's loneliness, a more distinct manifestation of his isolation problem, is a driving force throughout the book. Most of the novel portrays his almost frantic search for companionship as he darts from one inconsequential encounter to the next. However, while his behavior is a clear indicator of his loneliness, Holden consistently avoids self-reflection and therefore doesn't really know why he continues to behave the way he does. Because Holden relies on his isolation to sustain detachment from the world and keep a level of self-protection intact, he often sabotages his own efforts to end his isolation. When Mr. Spencer explains that “life is a game played by the rules,” Holden reveals that he feels imprisoned “on the other side of life” where there are “no strong points.” Here, Mr. Spencer lectures Holden about his failed attempts to go to school and illuminates key aspects of Holden's character. After hearing this advice from Mr. Spencer, Holden immediately becomes defensive and internalizes his thoughts that he does not belong in this world. This event shows Holden's failed attempts to try to find his way in this “false” world that he feels is against him and makes him feel alone and a victim. This interaction emphasizes the theme of isolation by showing how alone Holden considers himself; clearly identifies with those across the street. The distance Holden makes sure to maintain isolates him from others and manifests itself in curious actions and mannerisms. An example would be the red hunting hat, which advertises his uniqueness and also gives him a sense of protection. Holden explains to Ackley that his red hat is not a "deer shooting hat" but a "people shooting hat". Of all the references to the red hat in the novel, this is the most illuminating. Holden uses the hat as a sign of individuality and independence; this hat serves as another way Holden manages to isolate himself from the rest of the world. The red hat serves as a symbol of Holden's desperate desire for independence and his disgust with conformity. Although Holden does not kill anyone in the novel, he "shoots people" in his own cynical way, spending all his time and energy belittling the people around.