Catcher In The Rye Loss Of Innocence Essay

Within the most arduous interlude of one’s life, – the transitory period from childhood to adulthood – one must discover oneself as an extension of the surrounding world. Acknowledging the world’s woes are requisite in becoming an adult. The struggle in accepting this reality is evident in J.D. Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, which presents the prelude to Holden Caulfield’s admittance into a mental institute. His conflict with himself and the adult world is the epitome of the novel: Holden yearns to preserve innocence while vituperating adulthood. Although he initially sees the two as an unfulfilling dichotomy, Holden slowly reassesses his perspective to see that both can coexist and that his presence within it is plausible. Throughout the novel, Holden is raptured by the idea of innocence, for he regards it as sacred. He would like to devote his life to safeguard innocence by “catching everybody if they start to go over the

Until his meeting up with Phoebe, Holden always gave things to others – a jacket to Stradlater or a turtleneck to James Castle. And while there are times people offer to give him something, – Mr. Spencer and Mr. Antolini giving life advice – Holden persists to be suspicious and hesitant to receive. His hesitancy, however, fades when Phoebe “reached in [his] coat pocket and took out [his] red hunting hat and put it on [his] head” (367). Holden finally allows himself to receive something; his acceptance of the hat mirrors his acceptance of the duality of life, something he has hitherto rejected. By watching his sister ride on the carousel, Holden “felt so god damn happy all of a sudden,” and albeit there was heavy rain, Holden’s “hunting hat really gave [him] quite a lot of protection” (368). Holden’s newfound trust, exemplified in his reacquiring and usage of the hat, provides him a sense of momentary security and peace: he is now able to open up about his emotions and begin a process