How Does Holden Present Change In Catcher In The Rye

Real change is something that cannot be achieved in a short period of time. However, sometimes a sudden insight can help a person learn from their past mistakes or misconceptions. In the novel Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger, the protagonist, Holden, is just on the cusp of entering adulthood. Unfortunately, his alienation from society makes it difficult for him to mature. While he does not overcome this alienation, Holden’s realization that it is not his responsibility to shield children from painful experiences helps him feel less burdened. Through Holden’s changed core beliefs, the author portrays Holden as a dynamic character to demonstrate the effect of change on a person.
Throughout almost the entirety of the novel, Holden is

protective of children’s innocence. When Holden returns home to visit his sister Phoebe, she confronts Holden about his expulsion from Pencey Prep School. She wonders what his future will be like if he refuses to apply himself. When asked what he aspires to be, Holden responds with a seemingly unrelated answer. He, “pictures all these little kids playing some game in this big field of rye and all. Thousands of little kids, and he is standing on the edge of some crazy cliff. What he has to do is catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff-if they are running and they don’t look where they’re going he has to come out from somewhere and catch them.” (Salinger 224) The cliff represents loss of innocence and happiness. When the children are unknowingly walking off the cliff, they are entering adulthood and being exposed to the real world. Holden felt deep agony after his brother’s death and wants to prevent other children from experiencing the same loss. He wants to save the innocent children from pain, and believes it is his responsibility to do so.
By the end of the novel, Holden realizes it is not his responsibility to shield children from the world. He comes to this realization in a random moment at the zoo. Phoebe follows Holden to the zoo after having a dispute with him. When Holden sees a carousal, he pressures Phoebe into riding it alone. As he is watching her, he notices all the children are trying to reach the gold ring above their heads. He comes to understand that, “the thing with kids is, if they want to grab the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything to them” (Salinger 273-274). Phoebe reaching for the ring despite the possibility of falling is a metaphor for children experiencing the fullness of life, including sorrow as well as joy. Holden realizes children have to experience what life encompasses, and it is impossible to shield them from all agony. Holden knows now it is not his responsibility to save everyone.
Holden’s sudden realization that it is not his responsibility to protect children makes him elated.

After Phoebe and Holden part ways, it begins to rain. Instead of becoming irritated, he embraces it and takes time to reflect on Phoebe’s ride on the carousal. He got “pretty soaking wet”, but he did not mind; he “felt so damn happy all of a sudden, the way old Phoebe kept going around and around. He was “damn near bawling if you want to know the truth.” He “didn’t know why”. (Salinger 275) It is likely because he feels like an enormous responsibility has been lifted from his shoulders. This is the point in the novel where he can accept some of his pain and come to understand his place in the world. In his case, change is something positive and helps him develop self-acceptance.

Throughout most of the novel, Holden believes it is his job to protect children from the realities and pain of life. Near the end of the book, however, his sudden insight that children have to experience the sorrows as well as the joys of life brings a sense of freedom and relief Holden’s realization helps Holden understand his place in the world and creates a sense of purpose. Holden is able to accept some of his pain through his changed beliefs, which ultimately makes him a person of more self

worth.