Was the Catcher in The Rye a successful coming of age novel?
In the beginning of the novel we are introduced to Holden as a nonchalant, sarcastic, care-free, observant, and overly critical narrator. In addition to that we see that Holden generally expresses a strong feeling of contempt towards people and the way society functions as a whole. This story is narrated in quite a unique way allowing the reader to feel like Holden's closest friend and confidant. As the reader we see Holden's private and public self, due to this unique position we are able to clearly see Holden's downward spiral as he evades the concept of growing up throughout the novel. Holden not applying himself in school is a great example of his refusal to face adulthood. When a kid graduates high school it is usually looked at as a crossing from childhood to adulthood; from depending on your parents to independence. Holden's refusal to apply himself and reach the next step in life shows how he is attempting to evade growing up. In addition to not applying himself