![the catcher in the rye themes the catcher in the rye themes](https://i.pinimg.com/originals/e6/39/26/e63926d26fc9e709bc3f81abd37edf6a.jpg)
The only people Holden establishes a true, honest connection with are his sister Phoebe, the nuns, and Jane Gallagher. Holden does not feel that he fits with the world around him he does not fit in with his peers at the elite prep schools he is so absent-minded that he leaves the fencing team’s equipment on the train he buys a red hunting hat and wears it, even indoors, tugging on it when he feels insecure-which sets him apart even more from those around him he lies often and finds fault with everyone around him and he frequently wants to run away from his problems to start a new life somewhere else. The cliff is a metaphor for a loss of innocence, when children inevitably begin the transition from childhood to adulthood. Holden tells Phoebe that he wants to be a “catcher in the rye.” He imagines standing in a field of rye, where children are playing, and catching any children who start to run towards a cliff at the edge of the field.
![the catcher in the rye themes the catcher in the rye themes](https://0701.static.prezi.com/preview/v2/fttzb5e44uqxrjlsb3bgzew3ex6jc3sachvcdoaizecfr3dnitcq_3_0.png)
Holden lost his with his brother Allie’s death, and it’s something that he still has not dealt with properly. Holden sees childhood innocence as something that no one should ever lose.
![the catcher in the rye themes the catcher in the rye themes](https://onettechnologiesindia.com/img/583371.jpg)
Ironically, it is this stubborn immaturity that prevents Holden from establishing any sort of romantic relationship, which he seems to want. Holden feels much more calm in the presence of children, who don’t expect very much from him, but he is anxious in situations where he has to take responsibility. This reflects his reluctance to leave the safety of his childhood, and he frequently finds fault with others so he doesn’t have to accept responsibility for his own actions. Throughout the novel, Holden finds solace in things that stay the same, and shows trepidation towards events that signal a change. Children are still discovering new things and are open to learning, while adults do not learn, but conform and therefore can’t discern between reality and illusion.Fear of Change and the Transition into Adulthood Holden wants to preserve the innocence of children because he sees children as the only people who are able to see the truth behind the illusions of the world. Holden knows this and has learned that the recognition of these concepts is different in young people and adults. Reality and truth are things that are not easily recognized or explained. Holden wants to hold on to the innocence and truth of youth, and this means not becoming one of the phony adults he despises. In reaching these, they become phony and untrue to themselves and others. There are certain responsibilities and ideals that adults are expected to have. Adults think that they are always right, because they have conformed to the norm.
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Holden sees adults as people who have given in to society and become something they’re not. They put on phony airs, and are less open to learning. They start to accept responsibilities for their actions, but they try to change themselves to impress others. When people mature, they lose the innocence of childhood and become trapped between childhood and adulthood (phoniness). Holden slowly matures throughout the novel, finally growing up in the park at the carousel. Another theme is the development of maturity. They rely on adults and have little or no responsibilities, but are open to learning and the truth. They (children) never try to impress others by being something other than themselves.