Examples Of Adulthood In Catcher In The Rye

Adulthood by definition is the act of being fully developed and mature, relating to, or intended for, befitting adults. Children and teens around the world often marvel on the newfound independence and vast acceptance that comes along with diving down into the depths of the adult world. Except one 16-year-old teen, by the name of Holden Caulfield. In the novel The Catcher in the Rye by author JD Salinger, the use of explicit hints towards the fear of creeping adulthood is used to express the protagonists most significant internal conflict; the fear of change. Throughout the story it is clear the bold views on change Holden supports through his actions time and time again and the innocence that is often taken when a child enters the abyss that is the adult world. This fear and reluctance to grow up is displayed through both symbolic and

In Holden’s eyes childhood is a time of purity, not only is it easy and simple, but also has few to no problems and an abundance of authenticity. Adulthood on the other end of the scale deals with the hardships of change and the burdens of conforming to societies norms, all problems Holden views as both dreadful and depressing. The museum and its clear glass cases are one of Salinger’s main ways to employ symbolism, through the idea that Holden often attends it both with his sister and alone throughout the span of the novel. Throughout his childhood Holden often visited the museum, enjoying the simple times and the memorable glass displays. What the reader later comes to find out is that Holden treasures the ideals that the museum brings along with it, especially that the displays will never change, when he admits, “The best thing, in that museum was that everything always stayed