26 March 2017
Green Block 1
Coming of Age Essay In the novel Catcher in the Rye, author J.D. Salinger captures the essence of maturity. Salinger’s character Holden Caulfield is an immature adolescent who lacks in aspirations. Throughout the novel, readers witness Holden evolve into a mature young man and finally find his true calling. Holden reaches a pivotal moment where he finally matures morally. Holden’s moment of maturity occurred when he realized he wanted to be a catcher in the rye. Salinger’s use of symbolism plays a monumental role in his novel. When Holden realized he wanted to be a catcher in the rye; It was a symbolic moment in the novel. Each object is symbolic of morality, place of mind, and innocence. The