Abstract:The Catcher in the Rye written by J.D.Salinger is one of the most classical initiation novels in the twentieth-century American literature. After being published in 1951, the novel is highly appreciated among readers. The delicate adolescent awareness of protagonist in the novel, Holden Caulfield, becomes synonymous with the sensitivity of many young Americans. In this novel Salinger describes the protagonist Holden who is unwilling to swim with the tide. He constantly pursues the childish innocence and escapes from the humble society. But he finally realizes that the innocent childhood is momentary and transient. In the end he accepts the reality and reconciles himself with the society.

Via the analysis of Holden’s complicated and contradictory mentality caught in the dilemma between the inescapable reality and the unattainable fantasy, the paper tries to demonstrate Holden’s loneliness and agony in the course of pursuing the valuable life, so as to expose his spiritual journey from innocence to maturity. 

Keywords:  Holden  The Catcher in the Rye  spiritual growth

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Chapter One Introduction-1

Chapter Two Adolescent’s Lost and Inner Crisis-2

2.1 Inner Conflicts after the Second World War-2

2.1.1  Failure of School Education-2

2.1.2 Lack of Social and Family Care-3

2.2 Growing Pain—Holden’s Inner Crisis-4

2.2.1 Misery for the Loss of Childish Innocence-5

2.2.2 Dilemma between Child World and Adult World-5

Chapter Three The Pursuit of Innocence and Love-7

3.1 Preservation of the Childhood-7

3.2 Fight against the Adult World-7

3.3 Yearning for the Natural and Idyllic Life in the West-8

Chapter Four From Rebellion to Resignation-10

4.1 Rebellion and Escaping-10

4.2 Phoebe’s Salvation of Love-11

4.3 Holden’s Spiritual Awakening and Resignation-11

Chapter Five Conclusion-13

References-14