Catcher in the Rye and Conformity Essay

Antolini when he takes refuge on the man's sofa. He is rude to the girls to whom he is attracted, showing a discomfort and immaturity regarding his sexuality. The only person to whom Holden can relate is little sister Phoebe.

When imagining a future for himself, Holden can only envision becoming a 'catcher in the rye.' This imaginary occupation is someone who prevents children playing in rye fields from falling off a nearby cliff. The cliff symbolizes a 'fall' from innocence into the worldly corruption of adulthood. Holden does not want to grow up: he only feels happy when not moving forward, as symbolized by his enjoyment of watching Phoebe going in circles on a carousel in the park. He does not want to conform but he cannot imagine a way of growing up in a non-conformist, non-'phony' way.

Holden is alienated from society, but because he is still young, he can only rebel in ineffectual ways, like 'running away,' getting drunk or failing in school.His visions of the future are unrealistic, rather than offer constructive ways to rebel. He does not like the world but cannot change the world, and he does not fully understand why his school, his family situation, and his frustrated romances with girls his own age make him feel so unhappy......