The disillusioning stage between childhood and adulthood: "Catcher in the Rye" by J.D. Salinger

Forever Young Growing up can be difficult, but certainly a learning experience. In "The Catcher in the Rye", J. D. Salinger explores the disillusioning stage between childhood and adulthood through the struggles of a young boy, Holden Caulfield. The events depicted in this novel follow Holden from his dropout at Pencey Prep Private School, to his adventures in New York City, to becoming hospitalized. Throughout Holden's entire recollection, his unique character becomes more and more …

…lead him to fail at numerous tasks he had expected himself to complete, effectively wearing down his self-esteem and confidence. His tendency to be irresponsible causes him to become depressed, as what he considers valuable is lost. Holden's immature and weak nature collapses and his mental strength proves to be insufficient. When J. D. Salinger wrote The Catcher in the Rye, he truly opened the eyes of society to the troubles faced by many adolescents.