Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, Holden views the world as an evil and corrupt place where there is no peace. This observation of the world does not change significantly through the novel. However as the novel progresses, Holden eventually realizes that he does not have any special power that can change this.
Around every corner Holden sees evil. He looks out on a world, which appears completely wicked and dishonest. The three days we learn of from the novel that Holden is depressed in Manhattan. The city is decked with decorations and holiday splendor, but Holden does not take the time to stop and look at the scenery. Holden is surrounded by what he views as drunks, perverts, morons and screwballs. After Mr. Antolini patted Holden on the head while he was sleeping, Holden jumped up and ran out thinking that Mr. Antolini was a pervert as well. This is the only time during the novel where Holden thinks twice about considering someone as a pervert. After reviewing Mr. Antolini, Holden finally concludes that maybe he wasn't making a "flitty" pass at him; maybe he just liked patting guys heads while they slept. This is really the only time in the novel where Holden actually considers a positive side. This event does not represent a major change. His view of the world remains the same.
The one belief that does change during the novel is Holden's belief that he can change the world. On his date with Sally, Holden reveals his feelings. "Did you ever get fed up? I mean did you ever get scared that everything was going to go lousy unless you did something."(p 130) Holden goes through several plans. Holden at one point argues to himself about heading out west where he will pretend to be a deaf-mute and live a quiet life. At another point Holden proposes to Sally to escape this world with him. It is at last to his younger sister, Phoebe, that Holden reveals his final plan. Although Holden describes the situation in a very pretty and figurative manner, he basically tells Phoebe that he wants to prevent children from growing up.
