The cynical tone

the Catcher in the Rye has a very cynical tone to it. Holden's attitudes and tones through out the book are very harsh. he trusts no one and refers to everyone as a "phonies." He is constantly pointing out the negative attributes of everything and everyone. as he does that, he's projecting his feelings. "It's the act of taking something of ourselves and placing it outside of us, onto others, sometimes we project positive and sometimes negative aspects of ourselves" He really sees himself as phony, and doesn't feel too good about himself. That sets the mood for the entire novel, as harsh, cynical, and negative.