The Catcher in the Rye, Comming of age;

The Catcher in the Rye, Coming of Age Essay.


Maturation is the journey from childhood to adulthood, where time represents everyone’s unavoidable passageway to adulthood. An awakening in life can help one become aware of the world around him. As soon as old Maurice opened the doors, he’d see me with the automatic in my hand and he’d start screaming at me, in this very high-pitched, yellow-belly voice, to leave him alone. But I’d plug him anyway. Six shots right through his fair hairy belly. Then I’d throw my automatic down the elevator shaft—after I’d wiped off all the fingerprints and all. (Salinger 104) Holden’s behaviour and actions are self-destructive. He continues to argue with Sunny, the prostitute, and Maurice when they threat him. They disagreement about the five-dollar bill that Holden is supposed to owe; that leads to Maurice attacking Holden. “Life is a game, boy. Life is a game, that one plays by the rules.” (salinger,8) Holden alienates and isolates himself from the world and thinks about committing suicide. Holden realizes that Phoebe is worth living for and accepts the world because he understands that he cannot change it. In the beginning, Holden is a naïve and innocent person in an adult world. Throughout the novel, he goes through many changes that change is perception of the world and the people around him. By the end, Holden has compassion and is matured. As one can see, maturity is an important process in a person’s life. Growing up is inevitable because life is full of eye-opening experiences and life lessons that helps one grow.