Catcher In The Rye
Holden Caulfield's Perception and Gradual Acceptance of the "Real" World. In
The Catcher in the Rye, Holden views the world as an evil place where there
is no peace. This perception of the world does not change significantly
throughout novel. However, as the novel progresses, Holden gradually comes
to the realization that he is powerless to change this corruption. During the
short span of Holden's life covered in this book, Holden does succeed in
making us perceive that the world is crazy. Shortly after Holden leaves Pencey
Prep, he checks in to the Edmont Hotel. This is where Holden's turmoil begins.
Holden spends the following evening in this hotel, which was "full of perverts
and morons. There were screwballs all over the place." His situation only
deteriorates from this point forward as the more he looks around this world, the
more depressing life seems. Around every corner Holden sees evil. He looks
out on a world which appears completely immoral and unprincipled. The three
days we learn of from the novel place a distressed Holden in the vicinity of
Manhattan. The city is decked with decorations and holiday splendor, yet, much
to Holden's despair, "seldom yields any occasions of peace, charity or even
genuine merriment." Holden is surrounded by what he views as drunks,
perverts, morons and screwballs. These convictions which Holden holds waver
momentarily during only one particular scene in the book. The scene is that
with Mr. Antolini. Aft...