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Holden Caulfield’s Perception and Gradual Acceptance of the “Real” World.
In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden views the world as an evil place where there is
no peace. This perception of the world does not change significantly throughout novel.
However, as the novel progresses, Holden gradually comes to the realization that he is
powerless to change this corruption.
During the short span of Holden’s life covered in this book, Holden does succeed in
making us perceive that the world is crazy.Shortly after Holden leaves Pencey Prep, he
checks in to the Edmont Hotel.This is where Holden’s turmoil begins. Holden spends the
following evening in this hotel, which was “full of perverts and morons. There were
screwballs all over the place.”His situation only deteriorates from this point forward as
the more he looks around this world, the more depressing life seems.
Around every corner Holden sees evil. He looks out on a world which appears
completely immoral and unprincipled.The three days we learn of from the novel place a
distressed Holden in the vicinity of Manhattan. The city is decked with decorations and
holiday splendor, yet, much to Holden’s despair, “seldom yields any occasions of peace,
charity or even genuine merriment.”Holden is surrounded by what he views as drunks,
perverts, morons and screwballs.These convictions which Holden holds waver momentarily
during only one particular scene in the book. The scene is that with Mr. Antolini.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 when
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 as they sleep. This is really the only time …