In the novel "The Catcher in the Rye", by J.D. Salinger, the main character, Holden Caulfield, is terrified of growing up. He attempts to remain a part of the adolescent world because he is afraid of the restraint and responsibility that adulthood may bring. Holden's obsession with his childhood and that of his sister and dead brother, his rejection of adult responsibility and interaction, as well as his lack of stability are great examples of why Holden is just not ready to grow up, not just yet.

Holden Caulfield is obsessed with his childhood. He is fixated on his little sister Phoebe and his dead younger brother Allie. Phoebe, who is only 10 years old, seems to be Holden's biggest role model. He admires her so much because to him, she is the picture of perfection. In Holden's eyes, Phoebe is not phony one little bit, therefore to...