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The Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger, is one of the first novels written with young adults in mind. It is written in the first person, with the main character, sixteen-year-old Holden Caulfield, telling the story. His main goal is to be accepted society, while protecting and maintaining a sense of innocence in those who are special and close to him. He is turned-off by anyone who doesn?
t see the world as he does. The theme of innocence is seen throughout the book by using the other characters, Allie, Jane and Phoebe. These three characters represent different forms of innocence, of which Holden is so desperately trying to hold on to in his life. Allie represents an infinite innocence, in being that he is dead, and can never be changed. Jane shows us the example of someone that is no longer innocent, and though we never really see Jane in the novel, Salinger involves her loss of innocence when she has the date with Stradlater.
She shows that things are not as innocent as they may appear. Phoebe represents a changing or loss of pureness, which is exactly what Holden is fighting against. The main reason for reading The Catcher in the Rye during high school is because it is not only an ageless classic, but also Holden is someone who most sixteen-year-olds can either relate to, or feel sorry for. With all of the pressures that society puts on teenagers, Holden shows us that we should not try and grow up too soon.
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Research essay sample on Catcher In The Rye Sixteen Year