The Innocence of Childhood in The Catcher in the Rye by...

Growing up and becoming mature can be an intimidating experience; it is difficult to let go of one’s childhood and embrace the adult world. For some people, this transition from youthfulness to maturity can be much more difficult than for others. These people often try to hold on to their childhood as long as they can. Unfortunately, life is not so simple. One cannot spend their entire life running from the responsibilities and hardships of adulthood because they will eventually have to accept the fact that they have a role in society that they must fulfill as a responsible, mature individual. The novel â€Å"The Catcher in the Rye† by J.D. Salinger follows the endeavours of Holden Caulfield, a sixteen-year-old teenage boy who faces a point in†¦show more content†¦Holden knows that these children are unaware of the stress and difficulties that come along with adulthood, and believes that they should be saved from these things. Holden’s fear of growing up is shown even here, as he stands right on the edge of the cliff saving these children, but is unwilling to fall off the cliff and enter adulthood himself. This, being one of the most important and memorable quotes of the book, is perhaps the most significant evidence of the fact that the title of the book explores the theme of innocence preservation. Therefore, Holden’s affection for the innocence and purity of children undoubtedly has a connection to his reluctance to grow up, and to his desire to become a â€Å"catcher in the rye†. Moreover, his attitude towards change is also a large factor in his attempts to resist maturity. Holden is very hostile towards the idea of change. He is bothered by the fact that things are always changing, and he constantly tries his best to avoid change so he can stay in his own ideal world. His attempts to prevent change show that he wants to preserve his innocence. One way in which Holden tries to divert away from his transition and avoid change is by visiting the museum, where â€Å"everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody’d move†¦ Nobody’d be different. The only thing that would be different would be you.† (Salinger 121).Show MoreRelatedChildhood Innocence is Everything in Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger770 Words   |  4 PagesEveryone’s mother always told them that childhood innocence is the best thing in the world, but for Holden it is the world. When reading The Catcher in the Rye some people disdain Holden, because they think he’s cynical and immature, but really he is a representation of us all. Unlike other bo oks, the protagonist isn’t someone you want to be friends with, it’s someone you realize you are. The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. 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Salingers misfit heroes, unlike the rest of society, are caught in the struggle between a superficial world and a conscious morality (1 Wildermuth). In his attempt to create a new and realistic portrayal of the times, Salinger first, effectively creates Holden Caulfield