Throughout the novel, J.D. Salinger shows us that Holden fears growing up and has a mental breakdown as he transitions to adulthood. He doesn’t want other children to experience the "phoniness" of the world and become corrupted by society. While he was talking with Phoebe, Holden says that he wants to be a catcher in the rye, to save the children from falling off the cliff. What Holden means by ‘Being a catcher in the rye’ is that he wants to protect children’s innocence from entering the world of adults.
Towards the end of the novel, Holden meets up with Phoebe, who plans on traveling West with her brother. Holden upsets Phoebe by telling her that she can’t come with him, which makes her cry. Holden tells Phoebe that he’s actually going to
Towards the end of the novel, Holden meets up with Phoebe, who plans on traveling West with her brother. Holden upsets Phoebe by telling her that she can’t come with him, which makes her cry. Holden tells Phoebe that he’s actually going to