Antolini when he takes refuge on the man's sofa. He is rude to the girls to whom he is attracted, showing a discomfort and immaturity regarding his sexuality. The only person to whom Holden can relate is little sister Phoebe. When imagining a future for himself, Holden can only envision becoming a 'catcher in the rye.' This imaginary occupation is someone who prevents children playing in rye fields from falling off a nearby cliff. The cliff symbolizes a 'fall' from innocence into the worldly corruption of adulthood. Holden does not want to grow up: he only feels happy when not moving forward, as symbolized by his enjoyment...
He does not want to conform but he cannot imagine a way of growing up in a non-conformist, non-'phony' way.
Because Salinger allows him to stay in that world, we can cling to Holden as a pleasant memory. The Catcher in the Rye is told from Holden's perspective and this aspect of the novel allows it to remain innocent and suspended in time, so to speak. Holden is like Peter Pan in that he does not wantr to grow up but he is facing the glorious future that includes his
Exploring the Complexity of Antiheroes in Literature Introduction Antiheroes have long fascinated readers with their moral ambiguity, flawed characteristics, and unconventional approaches to heroism. Unlike traditional heroes who embody virtues such as courage, honor, and selflessness, antiheroes often exhibit qualities of selfishness, deceit, and cynicism. These complex characters challenge societal norms and offer a unique perspective on the human experience. In literature, antiheroes are often portrayed as outsiders or rebels who resist conformity
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