corrupt place where there is no peace. This perception of the world

does not change significantly through the novel. However as the novel

progresses, Holden gradually comes to the realization that he is

During the short period of Holden's life covered in this book,

"Holden does succeed in making us perceive that the world is crazy".1

Shortly after Holden leaves Pencey Prep he checks in to the Edmont

Hotel. This is where Holden's turmoil begins. Holden spends the

following evening in this hotel which was "full of perverts and

morons. (There were) screwballs all over the place."2 His situation

only deteriorates from this point on as the more he looks around this

world, the more depressing life seems.

Around every corner Holden sees evil. He looks out on a world

which appears completely immoral and unscrupulous. The three days we

learn of from the novel place a distressed Holden in the vicinity of

Manhattan. The city is decked with decorations and holiday splendor,

yet, much to Holden's despair "seldom yields any occasions of peace,

charity or even genuine merriment."3 Holden is surrounded

this off with his hand so as to protect the innocent children from

Shortly after this point Holden has his nervous breakdown. His

timeless peace of the Egyptian tomb room at the museum there is an

and goodness. His perception of the world remains the same.

point that Holden sees that he can not stop children from growing up

the book when he is watching Phoebe on the carousel.

and therefore losing their innocence. They will fall if they fall,

and live a quiet life. At another point Holden proposes to Sally to

stops the children from growing up he will preserve their innocence

scene in the book. The scene is that with Mr. Antolini. After Mr.

reveals his feelings. "Did you ever get fed up?... I mean did you ever

un-erasable "fuck-you." This incident is the beginning of Holden's

that he is powerless to stop both evil and maturation. As a matter of

Some common words found in the essay are:
Phoebe Holden, Hotel Holden's, Rye Holden, Sally Holden, Holden It's, Shortly Holden, Antolini Holden, Antolini Antolini, children growing, novel holden, Pencey Prep, grab gold ring, holden reveals, book holden, shortly holden, gold rings, morons screwballs, looks world, perverts morons screwballs, grab gold, innocent children,
Approximate Word count = 1000
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)