John Adams once said that, "facts are stubborn things." The same can be said for the idea of identity. According to Dictionary.com, identity is defined as "the distinct personality of an individual regarded as a persisting entity; individuality." The idea of identity is present in works of literature such as, John Adams, Catcher in the Rye, and "Looking for Work." In American culture, people define their identity by whom they do and do not get along with, and who accepts them.
             Acceptance by a group is an important component of identity in American culture. In Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the protagonist and narrator, Holden Caulfield is telling us a story of a two-day period during last December. Throughout the novel Holden is struggling with the idea of acceptance. Holden wishes to gain acceptance from those who represent innocence, and a childhood friend, Jane Gallagher happens to be one of those people. In the beginning of the novel, Holden tells us the story of Jane Gallagher and how they use to play checkers. Jane lived next door to him all summer long in Maine. Holden really adores Jane because he is able to comfortably talk with and is able to confide in her. Also, she is the only non-family member he has shown Allie's baseball glove to, so that shows his deep trust for her. Allie's baseball glove symbolizes Holden's love for his brother, and his willingness to show the glove to Jane reveals that he is seeking her acceptance and trust.
             Holden Caulfield also shapes his identity through the people he dislikes. Holden's enemy is the adult world, and he abhors the cruelty and 'phoniness' of it all. Holden sees much of life as a conflict between the artificial and authentic. Holden observes everyone he possibly can and passes judgement on them immediately, most of the time without even speaking a word to them. It is most obvious when Holden is in the night...