The typical adolescent is forced into a period of youth, filled with trials and tribulations. However, there are marked features during this period that denote the transition from adolescence to adulthood. Some prominent characteristics are the impressions of sexual identity and romantic relationships that develop throughout one’s youth. In Adolescence and Beyond: Family Processes and Development, Patricia K. Kerig says “becoming involved in romantic relationships is an important developmental marker of adolescence, and sexual behaviors within this context can be expressions of normal, healthy exploration”. Holden Caulfield, from Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger is a teenager who undergoes the same pain and confusion of sexual identification as any other minor would. Holden’s problematic sexual and romantic relationships lead to actualizing his feelings about romance and shaping his sexual identity.
Holden Caulfield is certainly attracted to sexual ideas, but contradicts himself by saying it is awfully perverted. He considers himself the most decent being when he says, “I'm not kidding, the hotel was lousy with perverts. I was probably the only normal bastard in the whole place” (Salinger 34). In the beginning of the novel, Holden settles into a hotel and sees across from him a man and woman squirting water …show more content…
Holden Caulfield sits on the fence between adolescence and adulthood and kicks his feet as he contemplates about the downfalls and trappings of adulthood. A major factor in his refusal to let go of youth is his ideation of sex and intimacy. Holden’s attitude toward sex run parallel to ideas of sexual abuse and obscenity. Often, he objectifies women he doesn’t respect and seeks relationships with them. His encounters with women like Sally, Jane, Sunny and men like Mr. Antolini further aid in understanding while complicating his thoughts as he explores his
Holden Caulfield is certainly attracted to sexual ideas, but contradicts himself by saying it is awfully perverted. He considers himself the most decent being when he says, “I'm not kidding, the hotel was lousy with perverts. I was probably the only normal bastard in the whole place” (Salinger 34). In the beginning of the novel, Holden settles into a hotel and sees across from him a man and woman squirting water …show more content…
Holden Caulfield sits on the fence between adolescence and adulthood and kicks his feet as he contemplates about the downfalls and trappings of adulthood. A major factor in his refusal to let go of youth is his ideation of sex and intimacy. Holden’s attitude toward sex run parallel to ideas of sexual abuse and obscenity. Often, he objectifies women he doesn’t respect and seeks relationships with them. His encounters with women like Sally, Jane, Sunny and men like Mr. Antolini further aid in understanding while complicating his thoughts as he explores his