In the few days between his departure from Pencey Prep and returning home, the readers of Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" are submerged into the world of Holden Caulfield, and we see his disturbing view of the people, places and things that make up his surroundings. Caught between adolescence and adulthood, Holden struggles to comprehend and accept "growing up", the "phony" traits of the adult world, and the loss of innocence associated with it. During the long weekend, however, we can see Holden's distorted views change after a series of unique events. In the last few chapters of the novel, through interactions with those who Holden cares the most about, his attitude changes, from alienation to acceptance.

It is clear that Holden is an unreliable narrator. Contradictions like "I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot," (Salinger, p 18) are uttered throughout the novel, and take away credibility...