Catcher In The Rye Loss Of Innocence Theme

In the novel, there are a few themes that really stand out to the reader. However, throughout Holden’s story, there is a constant reminder that innocence is important and it is painful to grow up, which also ties into the title of the work. There are many moments when Holden can be observed experiencing, enjoying, and praising innocence. He frequently involves himself in some kind of childlike activity to do his best to hold on to that purity, such as when he watches the ducks in the park. An activity like this gives him the relief of the mental turmoil that comes with being an adult and living in the mature world. It is proven many times throughout the novel that Holden is not ready for that world until he grows a little at the very end when he realizes how much his sister, Phoebe, is growing up. Holden experiences the anxiety and stress that comes with adulthood and it is especially shown with his encounters with women and sex. Holden is able to seek help

He discusses the hypocrisy of the adult world. Holden constantly uses the word “phony” and stands out a lot. This can be used to show off more dislike of growing old, and to reinforce the idea that everything in the world is fake. There is also a secondary theme of using isolation in order to stay clear of harmful situations. Holden doesn't like that he is very recluse but it is his way of protecting himself from the “adult world”. The motif of aloneness also helps to portray the theme of maintaining innocence. He reluctantly takes himself out of every situation that can lead him to being socially accepted and will create the social relationships. He does this with Luce and Sally, where he behaves improperly and gets him to being abandoned by everyone. He is left alone and this is what creates that drive to maintain innocence because all he has ever gotten in the adult world is the cold