Holden Caulfield Moving Into Adulthood

In the Catcher In The Rye by J.D Sallinger, Holden Caulfield is paralyzed between

moving into adulthood and preserving his childhood. This theme is relevant in the lives of teenagers

around the world who are also making the transition to adulthood. Thus, the book struck a powerful

impact on readers.

Holden desires the glossed elements of adult life. A common motif throughout the book is Holden

going through a state of sexual confusion. For example, after seeing another couple being intimate, he

thinks: “I’m probably the biggest sex maniac you ever saw”(34). He decides he’s in need of a similar

experience and attempts to convince a girl to meet up with him. Yet, when she leaves an opportunity

to

meet him another day, he lies: “‘I can’t make it tomorrow’ I said.

‘Tonight’s the only time I can make

it’”(36). Another example, is when when Holden agrees to pay for a prostitute. But, once she removes

her dress he tells another lie stating: “Do you mind cutting it out?” I said. “I’m not in the mood, I just

told you. I just had an operation”(53). Holden’s characteristic of lying his way out of sex, reflects how

unprepared he is for the real experience, despite believing he’s a ‘sex maniac’. This motif is relevant to

teenagers in real life, as often when growing up, losing your virginity is glorified. Some may wait for

marriage because of the idea of preservation for the one you love. Hence, Holden’s confusion, was a

relatable aspect of the novel.

Yet, Holden clings to the concept of never growing up. Another motif is the idea of

perseverance. When visiting the museum he states: “The best thing, though, in that museum was that

everything stayed right where it was. Nobody’d move. [...] The only thing that would be different would

be you”(103). Clearly, he appreciates the museum because regardless of what changes in his life, the

museum remains the same. Then, there is his discomfort with children seeing swears:

“Somebody'd

written "Fuck you" on the wall. It drove me damn near crazy. I thought how Phoebe and all the other

little kids would see it, and how they'd wonder what the hell it meant”(108). The symbol of cursing is

usually associated with adults.

Thus, the children learning the meanings would be a step toward

them growing up, resulting in Holden’s distaste. The idea of keeping things the same is also prevalent in

our society. While some may be excited with the idea of moving out and starting a new future, to others,

the change could be a genuine fear. In aspect, the novel manages to touch hearts once more.

Others may say a prominent theme in the novel is Holden’s isolation from

societies insincerity instead. But, his idea is mislead. Holden’s on the sidelines because despite

trying to fit in with people his age, he can’t grasp their perceptions. For example, when giving reasons

for his lack of sexual experience he states: “The trouble with me is, I stop. Most guys don't”(50).

Holden believes this is a problem of his, since it disconnects him from other guys he knows. Thus, his

isolation is more of his own confusion with society, rather his issue with it. Meanwhile, the theme of

growing up connects directly to the book’s concept as a whole. When asked about his dreams, Holden

says : “I keep picturing all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. [...] What

I

have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff--I mean if they're running and they

don't look where they're going I have to come out from somewhere and catch them”(93). This quote

reflects Holden’s desire to maintain youth for the children in the rye, and connects not

only to the title but the content of Holden’s character.

To close off, the novel thoroughly focuses on Holden being trapped between maintaining prematurity

or attempting adult actions. Commonly, teenagers in real life may also experience confusion with the

concept of reaching adulthood. Whether it be with sexual confusion or changes due to age in general, it’s

a struggle relatable to Holden Caulfield. Therefore, it allows readers to eventually reach the acceptance

he receives through his experiences.