Catcher in the Rye: Universal Theme

There are many small themes in this novel but the big universal theme is the journey of growing up.  Holden constantly faces challenges about growing up with sexuality and other personal connections.  He never makes that step that he needs to in order to think of himself as an adult.  This is a theme many can relate to because during your teenage years, there is a lot to handle.  Sometimes you don't always want to let go of your childhood, so this is an easily related to theme.  Another universal theme is the fake adult world.  Holden often says he hates the "phonies".  He does not like many of the people he encounters during the novel because  can tell how fake they are and that they are never sincere.  He does not like Stadlater because he is superficial.   Holden's meeting with Sally Hayes also shows his opinion of phonies as well because she does not react well to him.  He also sees one of his brother D.B.'s former girlfriends.  This meeting with her shows some of the phoniness in the adult world because the only reason she wanted to talk to Holden was because she  about D.B..  This theme is often seen in the novel because it was Holden's opinion on people throughout the whole novel.

Out of all the novels I read for summer reading I think this one had a lot to do with human nature.  Holden constantly fights with himself to deal with the obstacles of growing up and dealing with phonies.  Salinger understands that humans do not like to change.  Also, Salinger understands that humans long for that human connection.  Holden feels like he cannot relate to anybody but his younger sister.  He longs for someone to connect with, and I believe that is why he always thinks about Jane.  This is also why he tries to connect with Sally Hayes although they have nothing in common.  He just wants to connect with someone so badly he ends up hurting himself when Sally rejects him, then he gets mad at her and insults her.  This is important because it involves human nature because human's are imperfect.  Human's often interpret other's signals wrong and then get upset when things do not go their ways.  Holden's encounter with Sally shows many of his human qualities.   

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 2001. Print.