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Holden Caulfield Maturity

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In J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye," the protagonist Holden Caulfield struggles with his own perception of maturity and innocence. Holden's journey can be seen as a struggle between his impulsive, idealistic desires and the sobering realities of the adult world. His hate for the phoniness of adulthood and his idealization of childhood innocence are at odds with his deep yearning to find a purpose worth living for. Holden tries to pave a path toward maturity, as he navigates the complexities of a world that seems at once too corrupt and too innocent. In "The Catcher in the Rye," Holden Caulfield is really caught up in how he sees being grown-up versus staying young. He's torn between wanting to be this hero for something big and just …show more content…

... And I'm standing on the edge of some crazy cliff" (Salinger, 173). This vision captures his deep desire to protect childhood innocence from the fall into the cynicism of adult life. Holden sees himself as the guardian at the precipice, preventing them from tumbling over the edge into the complexities and phoniness of adulthood. It's a powerful testament to his internal struggle and his wish to save others from the loss of innocence he himself is experiencing. Holden's interactions with his sister Phoebe highlight his view on innocence. He adores her purity and enthusiasm for life, saying, "You should've seen her. She was terrific" (Salinger, 67). This moment shines because it shows how much he cherishes genuine qualities in people, especially the innocence of youth. Phoebe represents the simplicity and honesty that Holden longs for in the world around him. His relationship with her is a safe keep from his disillusionment with the adult world, a place where he can still see the good in people and feel hope. It's a huge contrast to the more complicated and often disappointing interactions he has with others throughout the

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