The Catcher in the Rye

The catcher in the rye 5. How does the passage about Holden’s ideal adult life contribute to the motif of retaining innocence?


5. How does the passage about Holden’s ideal adult life contribute to the motif of retaining innocence?

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I think that by the end of the story, Holden longs for innocence again. He has tasted adult life and does not like what he experienced. By the end of the novel, Holden finally witnesses, in his eyes, something beautiful. Watching his sister on the carousel, Holden realizes that her joy is not fake, phoney, or hypocritical. For once Holden witnesses truth in a child's joy. He just wants to watch.