“Illusions of Change and Time in The Catcher in the Rye”
As one of the pioneering works of the coming-of-age genre, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye is built on the concept of change. Although the degree to which Holden’s perspectives and life philosophy actually develop from the beginning to end of the book is up for debate, it is hard to dispute that the events of the novel shed a clear light on Holden’s various issues and, if nothing else, indicate to the reader that change is needed , even if it is yet to materialize. Technically speaking, Holden is actively seeking changes throughout the entirety of the novel. The numerous changes in setting from chapter to chapter are mostly initiated by Holden himself. He is always the one to spontaneously feel dissatisfied with his current predicament and seek out a new setting with new company. His plans range from small scale actions like leaving bars and travelling in and out of his dorm to huge, life-changing decisions like his split-second choice to move to a cabin out west (218-219). T...