Holden Caulfield is the controversial character in The Catcher in the
             Rye. He goes through many changes throughout the novel as he matures from
             a child to an adult. In this book, he is portrayed as a confused teenager trying
             to find his place in the "crazy" world, while criticizing his foes and
             contradicting himself. The way he presents himself throughout the novel
             allows readers to relate to him better. His experiences and his thoughts vary,
             but still revolve around one main center of gravity which the author, J.D.
             Holden has many distinct characteristics that set him apart from his
             peers. There is one problem that he cannot escape, and that is lying. Holden
             lies to everyone including two nuns that he meets in a diner. Another thing is
             his language. "This is representative of the typical adolescence of his time
             and place and indicative of his personal fears and frustrations." (Magill,
             Magill's...1803). He is sixteen years old and a junior at Pencey Prep School
             in Agerstown, Pennsylvania. His age ties in to his openness. Holden often
             expresses his feelings because he is at the age where he does not really care
             about others. He is not afraid to tell people what he thinks or how he feels
             about them. Holden criticizes people for the little things that they do. He
             stereotypes them just by the things that he notices about them.
             Throughout the story, Holden seems to have a goal set for himself.
             This quest involves the preserving of innocence. He believes that if a child
             can be saved from the cruel world and things in it, they will be spared.
             Another thing in this journey is that he is looking for an ideal, but un-human
             love that will meet all demands. This means that he will have a love for
             everyone that is unconditional and that he will recieve love from everyone
             else. Finally, the most important task, is the search for an identity. He is
             const...