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In J. D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, Holden Caulfield is

portrayed as a young, troubled individual. He tells us his story from the

mental institution where he is currently residing. Holden refuses to

acknowledge his emotions in regard to the death of his brother Allie. In

reaction to Allie's death, Holden hides from himself, his true feelings

about change, death and relationships with other people. He does not

realize that his Allie died of leukemia three years before this story takes place.

Holden speaks highly of his brother. He discusses how Allie was younger

than him but fifty times as smart. Holden also tells us that Allie was much

more mature for his age then he should have been. This is the basis of

Holden's fear of growth and change. The more you grow, the closer to death

you find yourself and death is the ultimate change.



Reveling in innocence, perfectness, and being untouched by change

is the most comfortable patte...