catcher in the rye

In The 'Catcher In The Rye' J.D. Salinger portrays the main character Holden Caulfield as a protector of innocence which is shown through his protection of children, giving up his own innocence to help others, and his disgust of the adult world. Salinger uses minor characters such as Phoebe, Allie, and Jane Gallagher to tell us information about Holden. Holden is a very strong minded individual and is very open about the way he …

…crazy, even though "I knew she wouldn't let him get to first base with her." It drives him crazy because he doesn't truly know what Jane would allow Stradlater to do. He's frightened by the possibility that Jane might have changed and Holden as a protecter of innocence has failed. Jane is the only person outside of his family to whom Holden has ever shown Allie's glove. Allie and Phoebe represent childhood innocence to Holden.