In The Catcher in the Rye, the author J.D. Salinger, introduces the protagonist; Holden Caulfield. Holden feels the sense that he cannot choose between the two worlds. For example, he makes it seem as both of them are complete opposites from each other. In the book, Holden wants to keep his innocence, but he also wants to grow up and toss that innocence away. He still keeps his childhood personality by constantly obsessing over things that shouldn’t matter. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden demonstrates the struggle of transitioning between childhood and adulthood by revealing his hassle to grow up. Maturity comes through being an adult and growing up is all about becoming more mature. Throughout the book, Holden goes through numerous conflicts and problems. In the beginning of the book, Holden is gives information about himself. Holden’s personality shows that his age doesn’t determine how mature he is. He states “I was sixteen then, and I am seventeen now, and sometimes I act like I’m about thirteen” (Salinger 9). Holden knows that he can become more mature and have a better attitude but he just chooses to stay an immature teen. He acts like a thirteen year old because he choose to. He has the opportunity to act like his age. Another example of Holden acting immature is when Holden meets up his old school advisor from Whooton, Luce. He calls and asks …show more content…
Holden struggles with growing up and facing reality. There are many examples of Holden’s immaturity that are displayed in many forms such as facing responsibilities, his speech, his actions, and etc. Holden’s outlook on adult life is that it is superficial and brimming with phonies, but childhood was all about looking pleasing and innocent. He wants everything to stay the same and for time to stop. As Holden progresses in age, he will discover more about becoming mature in the