Holden’s Loss of Innocence “Loss of innocence” becomes apparent when one first begins to show concern for the people, tasks, and troubles in the world. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye presents an abnormal character, Holden, who goes through life as if nothing matters to him. Holden, a seventeen year old, is an extreme pessimist in a constant state of depression. He also possesses unattractive qualities as a person: he is irresponsible, immature, …showed first 75 words of 1095 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1095 total…people rise to the occasion and become adults. Some people just realize that they are old enough and should start taking responsibility for their actions. In the end, everyone, even Holden, must become mature. However, during the time that takes place in the novel, readers have only begun to see hints that Holden will transform in a more mature person. He has not transformed yet, but without maturity, one cannot survive in the real world.