Abstract: J. D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye has been considered as one of the two "modern classics" in contemporary American literature. At that time, America, ruled by McCarthy government, was under the suppressed political environment at home and in an era of "cold war" with the Soviet Union. The American government controlled their citizens' thought and made the moral and legal system which was to be abided by all Americans. This essay will mainly examine and analyze the experience of the protagonist from an adolescent to an adult. In particular, it focuses on discussing his doubt of, rebellion against and final inevitable initiation into the adult world. The three stages of his growth, along with his attempt to protect the innocence of the young children as well as his pursuit of love, truth，life and experience, present vividly the commonplace way to maturity of the youth.
It consists of four parts. 1. Part one: Introduction. 2. Part two: This part describes the adult world and the children world. 3. Part three: Holden rebels against the adult world and seeks self-identity innocence and love. 4. Part four: he accepts the reality and reconciles himself with the phony world.
Key Words: Holden; Phony; Rebellion; Initiation
CONTENTS
1. Introduction 1
1.1 Background of The Catcher in the Rye 1
1.2 The Author and The Catcher in the Rye 2
1.2.1 About the Author 2
1.2.2 A Brief Account of The Catcher in the Rye 3
1.3 Researches on The Catcher in the Rye 4
2. Spiritual Perplexity of Adolescence 5
2.1 The Innocence of the Child World 5
2.2 Doubt about the Adult World 6
2.2.1 The Phony Surroundings around Holden 6
2.2.2 The Phony Adult World 7
2.3 The Conflict of Two Worlds 8
3. The Rebellion and the Seeking 10
3.1 Rebellion Against the Adult World 10
3.2 The Seeking for Self-Identity, Love, Innocence 12
3.2.1 Quest for Self-Identity 12
3.2.2 Quest for Love and Innocence 13
4. Revitalization of Selfhood 14
4.1 The Initiation Rite from Childhood to Adulthood 14
4.2 Symbolic Death and Rebirth: The Way to Gain a New Self 15
5. Conclusion 18
