Holdens Attitudes Toward Childhood and Adulthood in...

Holden Caulfield is the protagonist in the novel â€Å"The Catcher in the Rye†. In the book Holden hears a quote â€Å"The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he want to live humbly for one† (Salinger 188) which he embraces as he matures throughout the story. Holden’s opinions of childhood and adulthood change as he grows through experience. Throughout the story Holden emphasizes his love for childhood innocence. In a passage he says â€Å"The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the golden ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything.† (Salinger 211) This immediately points to his affinity for innocence and not having the limits of being and adult. The†¦show more content†¦The irony of Holden detesting phoniness and adulthood is that he acts so much like an adult with his curiosity and experience with alcohol and sex that he misses his own opposition. H olden hates the responsibility, morality, and accountability of being an adult and embraces childhood. This contradicts everything that he desires and to want to take part in. This causes his own corruption and enables a failure to relate to himself. Holden has numerous distinct attributes pertaining to both childhood and adulthood. His transition from growing and relational life, to an uncontrolled spiritual realm, this stresses him. He has instances of introspection that helps him encompass a realization for his own livelihood. When he shares with his sister Phoebe what he would sincerely like to do with his life he says â€Å"I have to come out from somewhere and catch them. That’s all I’d do all day. I’d just be the catcher in the rye and all.† (Salinger 173) That quote reveals the reasoning for the title of the book because Holden wants nothing more than to protect the innocence of children. Holden’s changes throughout the story are tes timony, to his own sincere transition in life. In the book Holden’s symbolized transitionShow MoreRelatedSalinger s A Pretty Good Life Growing Up1269 Words   |  6 Pagesa pretty good life growing up. He was born in New York City on January 1, 1919. Salinger’s academics weren t one of his priorities, but he did want to become one of the most famous authors. After failing several prep schools, he finally graduated from Valley Forge Military Academy in Pennsylvania (Telgen 117). He went to numerous colleges including Columbia University but didn t graduate from any. Salinger’s early adult life revolved around his experiences in WWII. In 1942, Salinger was draftedRead MoreCatcher and the Rye Essay1382 Words   |  6 Pagesnovel The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger expresses the free will of choice. Salinger cleverly conveys how decisions can alter a person’s perspective of their peer. 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