Holden Caulfield Innocence

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Ernest Hemingway, known to be one of the greatest 20th century American novelists once said, “All things truly wicked start from innocence”. In other words, the way in which one matures relies solely on one’s upbringing from childhood; the age of innocence. The loss of innocence is a prevalent phase in the transition between childhood and adulthood of the human race. Most frequently, it is associated with evil acts or thoughts and is often seen as an intrinsic part of maturing. At a certain age, a child may be challenged with or led into an experience or period in their life that exposes one’s knowledge of evil, pain, or corruption in the world. Nevertheless, the term “innocence” may be interpreted in many different ways, depending on an individual’s …show more content…
Although it is quite common, some may easily accept the state while others may resist, and tend to desire to go back and relive their youth. In J.D Salinger’s novel, The Catcher in the Rye, the protagonist Holden Caulfield is significantly impaired through his loss of innocence, both emotionally and physically. Throughout the novel, Holden reveals his strong desire to be the guardian of the innocent, saving children as they approach the barrier between innocence and corruption, which eventually leads to his downfall. Firstly, he demonstrates this through his ignorance and alienation from others around him, as his own way to protect himself from a world of hypocrisy and superficiality. Furthermore, Holden is seen to constantly avoid intimate relationships with others, as he fears of the consequences it may have on his innocent and pure connections. Lastly, his glorification for children and his obsession to protect youth contributes to his ultimate deterioration as a …show more content…
For Holden, relationships are one of the most horrifying aspects of the adult world, as it provides opportunity for complication and conflict. Primarily, his relationship with Jane Gallagher is a prominent example of his inability to maintain intimate relationships with others. The reader first discovers this through Holden’s envy when his roommate, Stradlater mentions he has a date with Jane, one of Holden’s memorable childhood friends: “ ‘Jane Gallagher.’ Jesus ... I couldn’t get her off my mind. I really couldn’t. ‘I oughta go down and say hello to her, at least.’ ‘Why the hell don’tcha, instead of keep saying it?’ Stradlater said.”(Salinger, 32). Evidently, Holden has a strong feeling or connection to Jane, as he repeats that he ‘oughta’ say hello to her, but never truly meets with her. In fact, there are several moments within the novel in which he contemplates on calling Jane, but decides not to, as he fears it will destroy his innocent relationship with her. Furthermore, the only memories he has of Jane are nostalgic and childhood memories that are innocent. For example, when he thinks about his pure summer with Jane, he refers to their modest relationship; even though they kissed, it was not on the mouth: “...the next thing I knew, I was
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