Ricky's Response to Rocket Man

I agree that Rocket Man “represents Holden's depression and insanity through its lyrics.” However, I also believe that it also parallels Holden’s view of life as the “terrific bore … [he] hates” (130). For example, the song starts describing the job of an astronaut as an everyday job. In the song, “[the astronaut’s wife] packed [his] bags last night, pre-flight. Zero hour: 9 a.m. And [he's] gonna be high as a kite by then.” In a way, this is a similar description to a man flying on a typical, boring business trip. Due to his lack of interest, the astronaut, like Holden, has lost the thrill of living.