Theme Of Growth In Catcher In The Rye

At first glance, it may seem that Holden lacks growth throughout the novel The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger because his pessimistic attitude toward life does not change. However, when we look closer, this idea does not account for all of Holden’s problems with the world. Significant growth is demonstrated in Holden’s shift in perspective about protecting the youth. Holden’s change in the way he thinks about growing up displays Holden’s change throughout The Catcher in the Rye.
Before Holden’s growth, he dreams of shielding the youth from the uncertainties of adulthood. He has a hard time accepting his brother's fate and the fact that people are bound to grow up. Instead of recognizing the fact that this is the natural course of life

After he undergoes his change, he has less of a desire to shield children and more of a sense of acceptance that people will have to face adulthood. When Holden is at the zoo with his sister Phoebe, she decides to ride the carousel. While she is riding the carousel, Holden has a fantasy of Phoebe falling off the carousel if she goes to grab the gold ring. He realizes that he cannot control if that happens or not and that “if [the kids] fall off, they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything to them” (211). Holden’s willingness to accept the uncontrollable parts of life displays his growth since the beginning of the book. Kids will still grow up and go through hardships, and nothing that he does will change that, so stopping them from growing up will do more harm than good. The person he finally learns this from is his sister, Phoebe. In addition, he learns something else that makes him happy from her. That thing is Phoebe. When Holden goes back home to see her, Holden “[dances] with her for a while,” which is the first time Holden has been truly happy during the book (175). In addition, Holden can show his emotions around Phoebe. He “[starts] to cry” right in front of her, which is another thing he has not done much during the book (179). Student 2 argues that “ Holden actually [allows] himself to become close with Phoebe,” which has had a positive impact on