Director Robert Zemeckis once stated, "We don't function well as human beings when we're isolated." This quote concerns the protagonists of both The Catcher in the Rye and J.D. Salinger's Franny and Zooey. Both protagonists overcome their alienation when they learn from their brothers the reason behind their feelings of isolation. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield fails to connect with the others at Pencey Prep and runs away to New York City in an attempt to overcome his alienation. Similarly, in Franny and Zooey, Franny Glass seeks religion to cope with her social isolation in college. Initially, both characters are isolated from their peers because their critical attitude makes them unable to connect with their fellow students; their efforts to escape the sense of isolation fail due to their immense desperation for instant gratification, but they are finally able to overcome the sense of being completely alone after gaining a new perspective from a family member. Both novels begin with the central character becoming isolated at school because their judgmental personality makes it difficult for them to associate with their peers. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden feels alienated at Pencey Prep because his negative criticism of others makes it difficult for him to be a part of any social group. Holden's roommate, Stradlater, is "mostly a handsome yearbook boy" who Holden perceives as cocky (Catcher 27). Stradlater attempts to superficially establish friendships based on his seemingly genuine character, but in reality he is "madly in love with himself" (Catcher 27). Stradlater's behavior contributes to Holden's sense of isolation, as he dates the girl... middle of paper... their desperate attempts make their problems worse; Holden flees to New York City, while Franny devotes herself to religion and incessant prayer. Holden and Franny are finally able to overcome the anxiety resulting from their isolation when they receive help from a family member who gives them guidance; Holden receives comfort from his little sister who shifts his focus away from isolation; Franny gains an understanding of her spiritual beliefs from Zooey, who helps her cope with her anxiety. Holden and Franny are able to overcome the mental anxiety resulting from isolation from others with their siblings Phoebe and Zooey to provide them with a new perspective on their situation and give them moral support. Works Cited Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 1991. Print. Salinger, JD Franny and Zooey. Boston: Little, Brown, 1991. Print.