He is an intelligent and sensitive boy, yet has a cynical, jaded voice as he narrates his story to us. Because of his cynicism, it appears that Holden longs to live in a new, innocent world; free from the hypocrisy and ugliness his current world holds. The ugliness of his world is described using Spencer"s sick room, Ackley"s pimples and Stradlater"s secret slovenliness. His search for an innocent world also carries a strong, moral conscience. This is evident when he invites Ackley to go to the movies with him and another classmate, Mal Brossard. .

             Holden disguises his true self in order to protect himself from the adult world he fears. His hunting hat, which appears numerous times in the story, is a symbol of Holden protecting himself from the outside world. He uses it as a security blanket for warmth and comfort. Whenever he wears it, he claims to not care what others think of him. Holden"s strong relationship with his younger sister also depicts his attempts to hold onto his childhood. By being with Phoebe, Holden is able to forget about the ugliness he sees in the world, and happily continue his. .

             Like any growing adolescent, Holden"s environment and past experiences have shaped the person Holden is during the novel. The death of his younger brother, Allie, constantly torments Holden. He fights to hold on to his youth in order to live for himself and for his brother. Also, the cynicism with which he avoids expressing his feelings throughout the novel may be a result from Allie"s death. Although Holden acts like he is older and more mature than his actual age, it is simply a disguise to hide his true desires to remain young. For example, when he goes out and tries to buy drinks but is denied, he never truly attempts to argue with the bartenders, he simply agrees with it and continues his night.

             The Catcher in the Rye is a chronicle of Holden Caufield"s nervous breakdown, yet Holden never directly comments on it.