Through its exploration of The Search for Spiritual Enlightenment, “Teddy” offers a critique of American materialism. Though the central conflict arises between Bob Nicholson—who represents logic—and Teddy—who represents spiritual enlightenment—Salinger subtly rejects materialism through Teddy’s parents, the McArdles. Instead of familial comfort, the opening scene is fraught with tension and an undercurrent of violence. Mr. McArdle fixates on material goods: the expensive Gladstone suitcase on which Teddy stands, and the Leica camera that he directs Teddy to retrieve. Both objects are symbolic of the family’s class. It is Mr. McArdle’s concern for material goods that pushes Teddy out of the family’s room and toward death. Teddy lacks his own money but is spiritually rich from a past life, and is thus concerned that his current incarnation as an American man will inhibit progress. The short story’s setting—an ocean liner returning to America from London—is not only symbolic of class, but also of Teddy’s continued journey toward spiritual enlightenment.

The short story uses dialogue to create dark humor and undercut its philosophy. Each character’s distinct speech, with colloquialisms and specific phrases, exemplifies Realism: Mr. McArdle calls Teddy “buddy,” and Nicholson frequently uses “heaven’s sake” to express frustration.