Summary Of Salinger s The Rye - 2149 Words

The Theme of Innocence in Salinger’s Novel In today’s world innocence is a difficult quality to achieve and maintain because of the corruption that exists everywhere among us. Many say that children are the most innocent of beings. However, a child can never be shielded by the danger and risk that constantly encompasses them in our society today. Children are subjected to this world and once they are exposed to the corruption it is difficult to maintain the innocence that they once embodied. In J.D. Salinger’s â€Å"Catcher in the Rye† there is an evident need and desire to preserve a sense of innocence among the characters in a world that lacks innocence. Holden Caulfield, the main character in Salinger’s novel, is a force that tries to†¦show more content†¦Although we never find out if anything did happen between the two Holden’s is furious. We see Holden become infuriated as he questions his roommate about his night. â€Å"‘What d you do?’ I said. ‘Give her t he time in Ed Banky s goddam car?’ My voice was shaking something awful. ‘What a thing to say. Want me to wash your mouth out with soap?’ ‘Did you?’ ‘That s a professional secret, buddy.’ This next part I don t remember so hot. All I know is I got up from the bed, like I was going down to the can or something, and then I tried to sock him, with all my might, right smack in the toothbrush, so it would split his goddam throat open.† ( Salinger ) When Holden hears that his old â€Å"innocent† checkers partner possibly did things with his womanizing roommate Stradlater this bothers him a great deal as he feels her innocence has been stolen, Her virginity being her innocence in this situation. He does not see Jane as a person who is changed or been affected by the world around her, but as his old friends and checkers partner. When Holden realizes that his former checkers partner may not be as innocent as she once was, the idea of purity in people diminishing hits Holden. This is the turning point in his head as he feels it is his duty to protect people like Jane from a dangerous world. Holden takes the responsibility of protecting children from a world of corruption. He calls