![the catcher in the rye text the catcher in the rye text](http://static2.mbtfiles.co.uk/media/docs/newdocs/gcse/english/english_language/writing_to_inform_explain_and_describe/135702/images/preview/img_218_1.jpg)
Holden’s obsession with innocence is clear as he reflects on this dress- “I took her dress over to the closet and hung it up for her. The prostitute, who goes by Sunny, enters wearing a green dress and quickly takes it off. When the prostitute arrives, Holden is turned off by her childish appearance, noting that she “(…) was young as hell,” (Salinger, 94). Immediately after confirming his room number with the elevator boy turned pimp, Holden starts to regret his decision (Salinger, 91). The clearest example of innocence lost to sex is found as Holden orders a prostitute to his hotel room.
![the catcher in the rye text the catcher in the rye text](https://i.pinimg.com/236x/1c/4f/04/1c4f0487a96beacb33d0c723df67e7c6.jpg)
The themes of innocence and adulthood are closely related to, and supported by, a number of sexual examples. Eero Helenius connects innocence and sexuality well- “With regard to sex and sexuality, then, Holden is primarily concerned with protecting the innocence of those - girls, in specific - yet untainted by its ever-pervasive influence,” (Helenius, 25). The Catcher in The Rye is commonly known for its exploration of growing into adulthood, and the inevitable loss of innocence. Society is sending mixed signals to all young adults, and Holden is a prime example of the confusion that can ensue. Holden is clearly confused about where he lands between these two opposing ends of the spectrum. On the other, he is upset by and quietly sensitive to sexual energy. On one hand Holden is excited, and at times overwhelmed, by sex. It stinks, if you analyze it,” (Salinger, 62). The thing is, though, I don’t like the idea. Both perspectives are showcased as Holden reflects on an usual sexual scene observed outside his hotel room window “I can even see how it might be quite a lot of fun, in a crumby way, and if you were both sort of drunk and all, to get a girl and squirt water or something all over each other’s face.
![the catcher in the rye text the catcher in the rye text](https://www.coursehero.com/thumb/12/53/1253d4a2ad572c9a3afee14c890562b2e4b4b647_180.jpg)
But there is also an equally strong part of Holden that wants sex to be intimate and incredibly personal. A part of Holden does experience sexual excitement he goes on dates regularly, comments on girl’s appearances, and is jealous of his roommate Stradlater’s sexually adventurous ways (Salinger, 43). While all of Holden’s friends are making out with girls, and then vividly retelling stories about said making out sessions, Holden can’t quite assimilate into that culture. Holden tells his reader that at Pencey “all you do is talk about girls and liquor and sex all day,” (Salinger, 131). We see this open sexual excitement in Holden’s private school, Pencey Prep. In a predictable reaction to this uptight sexual culture, the younger generation rebelled and embraced sex, which later partially motivated the sexual revolution. Only private, vanilla-no-sprinkles-please sex was acceptable, and even this ultrabland intercourse was never spoken about. The only officially endorsed sexual behavior was monogamous heterosexual marriage,” (Ferguson, 2). Even masturbation was despised and thought to be the source of many physical and psychological ills. America during this time features contrasting beliefs surrounding sex.įor the older generation, which includes Holden’s distant parents, “most sex in America had been forced into the closet. Certainly the broadest cause of sexual issues in The Catcher in The Rye is Holden’s relationship to societal sexual expectations. Holden Caulfield’s disconnection from his sexuality is a notable contributor to his social difficulties. All of these emotions are difficult, and are a pressing internal struggle for Holden. Holden experiences a constant string of emotions concerning sexuality, spanning from excitement to guilt. Stemming from the dichotomy of sexual openness in America, underlined by an immense sensitivity, and sprinkled with teenage confusion, Holden’s relationship with his sexuality is a turbulent one. Salinger’s famous novel The Catcher in The Rye. It might take Holden Caulfield nine chapters to admit to this, but his sexual confusion is present from the first pages of J.D.
![the catcher in the rye text the catcher in the rye text](https://1655e1.medialib.edu.glogster.com/MyQ47p2IdeBru0XCaKfG/thumbnails/My/MyQ47p2IdeBru0XCaKfG-6k1hmdq1fm3m0ne8m0js7eg/1398695838-source.jpg)
“Sex is something I just don’t understand.