 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. After Mr...