For many teenagers, the thought of growing up and navigating the responsibilities of adulthood is a troubling thought. It is a time where maturity is tested, and autonomy is necessity. A time when some of us feel most alone. Unfortunately, this reality is no different for Holden Caulfield as his rejection of adultness leaves him wandering the streets of New York City alone. Throughout the novel “the Catcher in the Rye”, J.D Salinger plays off many aspects of Holden’s quirky and immature characteristics to portray the struggles that teenagers face when entering the adult world. Holdens poor perceptions of the adult world are increasingly apparent throughout his journey during and after his expulsion from Pencey Prep. In the opening chapter
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Spencer advises that “‘life is a game that one plays according to the rules’”(8). However, as he noddingly complies, Holden monologues “If you If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right—I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing”(8). This is the first time the reader is able to clearly pick up on the contempt that Holden has for adults and their outlook on life. His cynical view of adulthood continually progresses from this point on throughout the …show more content…
This is first evident while still at Pencey when he hears that his roommate, Stradlater, has plans for a date with Holden’s old friend, Jane Gallagher. He all of a sudden gets really excited and starts talking about all of her idiosyncrasies including the fact that “ she still keeps all her kings in the back row”(34). Furthermore, before Stradlater returns home from his date, Holden continuously talks about how nervous he is, saying “It just drove me stark staring mad when I thought about her and Stradlater parked somewhere in that fat-assed Ed Banky’s car”(48). This contrast illustrates Holden’s rejection of the sexual aspect of relationships in the adult world in hopes of preserving the innocence of himself and those around
Spencer advises that “‘life is a game that one plays according to the rules’”(8). However, as he noddingly complies, Holden monologues “If you If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right—I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing”(8). This is the first time the reader is able to clearly pick up on the contempt that Holden has for adults and their outlook on life. His cynical view of adulthood continually progresses from this point on throughout the …show more content…
This is first evident while still at Pencey when he hears that his roommate, Stradlater, has plans for a date with Holden’s old friend, Jane Gallagher. He all of a sudden gets really excited and starts talking about all of her idiosyncrasies including the fact that “ she still keeps all her kings in the back row”(34). Furthermore, before Stradlater returns home from his date, Holden continuously talks about how nervous he is, saying “It just drove me stark staring mad when I thought about her and Stradlater parked somewhere in that fat-assed Ed Banky’s car”(48). This contrast illustrates Holden’s rejection of the sexual aspect of relationships in the adult world in hopes of preserving the innocence of himself and those around