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Self-Discovery in The Catcher in the Rye


            In all forms of literature, characters develop and progress throughout the story after experiencing several events that change them as a person; this is what gives the story substance and interest in the readers' eyes. This statement is also the case in J. D Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye as the protagonist Holden Caulfield goes on a journey of self-discovery resulting in change in his overall view of the world around him. Throughout the novel, Holden is driven by the idea of preserving the innocence of children and sheltering them from the adult world, but as the story progresses he comes to the realization that growing up is an inevitable part of life that must be accepted. Holden also changes from being someone who rarely shows emotion and ostracizes himself from people, to someone with individuality. Another change in Holden's character would be him starting to take responsibility for his own life and realizing that it is not just a "phase" he is going through but an essential part of his self. In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, Holden's character matures and develops which not only changes the way he views the world around him but also how he views himself.
             Holden develops as a character when he starts to open up to people, become more self-expressive and gain a sense of individuality. Earlier on in the novel, he often resorts to lying in order to not let people know how he feels inside or let them know anything about him. This can be seen when after meeting Ernest Morrow's mother while waiting for the train, he lies and tells her that his name was Rudolf Schmidt as he " didn't feel like giving her [ his] whole life history" ( Salinger 54). By doing so, Holden distances himself from people and creates a new identity for himself. Lying to strangers shields him from the ever- changing world providing him with a sense of control that he desperately needs.


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