In J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield expresses his cynical views. His opinions are almost always negative, and he often makes harsh judgments and generalizations. Although Holden is normally reluctant to reach out to people and maintain relationships, he dreams of protecting those who are still innocent from the “phonies” that inhabit the world. Holden longs to be the catcher in the rye so he can devote his life to …showed first 75 words of 1499 total…

…showed last 75 words of 1499 total…surround them. Although his dream is a pleasant one, the truth is that one person cannot take on such a responsibility. Holden’s passion for children and his desire to protect them from phonies originates from the suffering he has experienced throughout his life. Holden’s final comment “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody”( )demonstrates that Holden has finally changed, and he will open himself up to relationships.