Abstract

This paper chiefly deals with the process that how the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye escaped and returned to the society from the perspective of initiation novel. On the bases of close reading and comparative study on the original work and the narrative structure, the growing process of the protagonist is divided into three parts in this thesis including innocence, escape and epiphanies and return. Part one is an analysis of the manifestation of Holden’s innocence through his personality characteristics and the temptations he held to the ideal world. The second part tries to demonstrate his escape from the confusions he met and the struggles he made. The final part discusses the epiphanies in the protagonist’s escape and the way he returned to the society. Finally, this paper reflects the disillusion and inward metamorphosis of teenagers when they are growing into adults.

Key words: The Catcher in the Rye; Bildungsroman; the Beats; epiphany

Contents

Abstract

摘  要

1 Introduction-1

1.1 General Information of the Thesis-1

1.2 Literature Review-2

2 Innocence-5

2.1 Personality Characteristics-5

2.2 Temptation-6

3 Escape-7

3.1 Confusions-7

3.2 Struggle-8

4 Epiphanies and Returns-10

4.1 Life and Self-Awareness-10

4.2 Compromises with the Material World-11

5 Conclusion-13

References-14