He even wakes up one morning in bed with a teenage girl in Queens, with no recollection of the events that occurred the night before. Clearly, it seems as if the Narrator's maturity has regressed since he moved to New York City. .
Like the Narrator's use of drugs, Holden uses his "catcher in the rye- fantasy to psychologically avoid his problems and responsibilities. He believes that all American adults are fake and superficial. This mentality can be interpreted as simply a way for Holden to avoid the responsibilities of adulthood, and to deny the need to grow up. Because he refuses to mature, Holden fails to take responsibility for being expelled from numerous private schools, and refuses to put even menial effort into any course except English. He proudly admits himself to be "the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life- (Salinger 16). He also justifies his lack of responsibility by simply claiming that he is "going through a phase- (15). His very name, Holden, suggests that he is holding onto his immaturity and is refusing to grow up. Like the Narrator, Holden is passive and chooses to reject the reality of his situation.
Because both characters are irresponsible and passive, they fail to accept the kindhearted help that is offered by their families and peers. The Narrator denies the help of his colleagues at work, admitting, "Everyone is so kind. They all want to cover for you, take care of the work that is on your desk. You have been inclined of late to underestimate the goodness of the race- (McInerney 80). One of his colleagues, Megan, cares and nurtures him as if he were her child. However, the Narrator passively ignores her assistance and her offer to help get him another job. The narrator even ignores his own brother Michael, running away when he sees him waiting outside his apartment. He explains his passivity towards those who want to help him by saying, "You have friends who actually care about you and speak the language of the inner self.
