My grandfather used to say to me, "Don't bother to fight the battle, if you don't intend to win the war." What he was trying to show me was an important lesson in life. He was attempting to educate me on how being someone you're not by trying to hide you inner feelings with fighting is not who you are. J.D. Salinger suggests that Holden initiates fights to hide his true feeling about being terrified.

Holden's unwillingness to face the fact that he is indeed scared creates problems amongst strangers and friends. Knowing that Stradlater is strong and fearless, Holden persist in the argument. " Shut up, now, Holden," he said with his big stupid red face. "Just shut up, now." "You don't even know if her first name is Jane or Jean, ya goddam moron!" "Now, shut up, Holden, God damn it-I'm warning ya," he...