The Catcher In the Rye (close up)
Catcher in the Rye Essay The journey of the adolescent mind into the more mature structure of adulthood, displays the corruption the world inflicts on the innocent. In the book, The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden, who is a sixteen year old boy struggling with school and a few disorders, explores the various parts of New York while observing the atmosphere of it all through a flittered lens. The book demonstrates the innocence in youth while still exhibiting the phoniness of the adult mind. Innocence in the novel contrast with Holden’s character and the basic context of the plot. Holden’s personality, the questions he asks, and his story, shape the idea of innocence in this novel; applying it to the work as a whole and keeping the theme throughout. One of the first instants where Holden’s, very different, personality is presented is in one of the first chapters, in the scene where his roommate Stradlater comes home from his date with Jane Gallagher (a girl Holden is very interested in). Before the date began Holden seemed very anxious and somewhat intrigued by the idea of Stradlater going out with Jane. On the outside it appears that Holden is perfectly fine with the date between the two of them, while on the inside he is struggling with the thoughts of what Stradlater might be doing with Jane or how he is treating her. To readers, Holden’s internal turmoil over the date seems to be a representation of Holden’s longings and his innocent mind. Once Stradlater arrives home after the date, Holden begins to question what occurred during the date. As Stradlater continually denies the activities Holden has suggested, Holden becomes furious. He is disgusted with the idea that Stradlater would only use Jane for his own perverse desire, and he decides to attack Stradlater. The shift in his personality as the reality of the situation sets in demonstrates how quickly a small amount of innocence can be taken away. This scene in particular opens up one of the