In the Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield views the world as an evil and corrupt
place where there is no peace. This perception of the world does not change significantly
throughout the novel. However as the novel progresses, Holden gradually comes to the
realization that he is powerless to change this. The three days we learn of from this novel
place a distressed Holden in the vicinity of Manhattan.
Holden's view of the world became very strong in the beginning after he left
Pencey Prep. After leaving Pencey Prep, Holden checked into Edmont Hotel and this is
where his turmoil began. After spending a few evenings in the Hotel, Holden comes to the
conclusion that his hotel was full of perverts and morons. His situation only deteriorates
from this point on as the more he looks around the world, the more depressing his life
Holden doesn't yet realize that he can't change all of the evil around him. He looks
out on a world which appears to be completely immoral and unscrupulous. While Holden
is in Manhattan he begins to realize that the city is decked out with holiday splendor, yet,
much to his despair, rarely ever gives him any peace at heart or genuine merriment. While
there Holden is surrounded by what he views as drunks, perverts, morons, and screwballs.
The one conviction that does not change during the novel is Holden's belief that he
can change the world. Holden goes through several plans. At one point he contemplates
heading out west where he will pretend to be a deaf-mute and live a quiet life, at another
point, Holden proposes to Sally to escape this world with him. It is finally to his younger
sister Phoebe that Holden reveals his ultimate plan, which is to prevent children from
growing up so that they won't become the evil scum that he thinks adults are.
It takes most of the book before Holden Caulfield begins to realize the fact that he
is helpless to ...