J. D. Salinger’s continuous references to falling symbolize a more corrupt fall Holden fears ― adulthood. Throughout the story, Holden tries to prevent this ruinous incline, but ultimately he cannot avoid it forever. He seems to stumble right before events that introduce him to the adult world. For example, before leaving Pencey Prep, Holden “damn near [falls] on [his] head” (Salinger 46) in Ackley’s room, and as he answers the door for Sunny, he “[falls] over [his suitcase]” (93). Leaving a home to go off on your own, and prostitution can be seen as adult experiences, and these incidents appear to hint at his impending fall into adulthood. Another literal fall Holden mentions is James Castle’s suicide(170). The harassment James experienced
