Innocent and Corrupt Characters in Catcher in the Rye Essay Example

which this is happening. Lastly, Holden’s younger sister, Phoebe, displays innocence and love in almost all of her actions.

For example, when getting Holden’s note telling her that he is leaving, she packs her belongings and says, “I’m going with you,” (206). This illustrates her naive personality because she wants to do something she knows is wrong, without a plan. Another way she exhibits innocence is constantly changing her middle name. This action betrays her childish personality, which is a clear sign of innocence in Holden’s eyes. Through these character’s actions, Salinger promotes the idea of innocence throughout this novel. Throughout the world corruption is shown daily, and is vibrantly illustrated in this novel through Salinger’s characters.

The first character shown to be corrupt is Stradlater. He does this by being tremendously sexually active, and attempting to end childhood and innocence. For example, when Holden is worrying about Stradlater and Jane’s date he comments, “I already told you what a sexy bastard Stradlater was,” (34). This is significant because it is referring to not only Stradlater’s looks, but his venereal activities which Holden considers extremely corrupt. Another way Stradlater demonstrates his adult characteristics is through his ill-mannered behavior. An example of this is when Stradlater insults Holden’s paper.

This displays his inconsideration for Holden’s love for Allie, triggering Holden’s inner anger toward Stradlater. The next character that shows unscrupulousness is Mr. Antolini. This is proven by Mr. Antolini’s wife, who is at least sixty years older than him, which is immoral. Another reason Mr. Antolini is considered corrupt is the event in which Holden wakes up to Mr. Antolini petting his head. Holden explains this by saying, “

What he was doing was, he was sitting on the floor right next to the couch, in the dark and all, and he was sort of petting me or patting me on the goddam head.

Boy, I’ll bet I jumped about a thousand feet,” (192). To Holden, this is extremely impure and immoral, which frightens him tremendously. The last character that is found to be corrupt is Maurice. He first demonstrates this trait when in the elevator with Holden. Maurice is asking Holden if he would like a prostitute to come to his room, which displays Maurice’s corrupt persona. Another instance of when Maurice is acting immoral is when he goes to Holden’s room and hustles him for money. (101) This is unjust, and Holden is shown to be immensely afraid.

These three characters help Salinger promote the universal idea of corruption. The numerous symbols and motifs used in this novel are used to explore many character’s adolescent and adult attributes. Holden wants to protect all pure characters in the novel, and tries to take this job upon himself. Through his challenges, and other individuals helping him overcome them, he learns that this is not possible. However, he learns from his experiences, and finally realizes that adulthood is inevitable, and he must deal with this.