Gregor Samsa
That Guy
Its a literary device, the 'Unreliable Narrator'. The idea is that it reinforces the protagonist/narrator's subjectivity, and renders other events as questionable. Makes the narrative consciousness more realistic, and serves to open the text. Some good examples of this device;mandalay said:why does Holden lie so much?
in the book, he even admitted to being a liar.
Joseph Conrad-Heart of Darkness (Despite stating that he detests the thought of a lie, Marlow nevertheless deceives Kurtz's Intended in the novella's climax.) [
Ford Maddox Ford-The Good Soldier (Another Impressionist novel. John Dowell continually emphasises his own doubt and incertitude.)
Kazuo Iziguro-The Remains of the Day
Its a very interesting technique when used well.
On another level however, Holden's 'confession' may also be viewed as establishing honesty (in his perception), as opposed to the hypocritical society he criticises.