JD Salinger’s “The catcher in the Rye” introduces to the reader the interesting and complex character,

Holden Caufield. Throughout the book Holden’s journey to New York is a step towards freedom, but it
also presents a personal journey taken by the 16-year-old character in terms of his development into
becoming an adult. Throughout his journey, Caulfield struggles with his personal past, his current
adventures and most importantly his own thoughts. His journey represents a coming of age story where
his own innocence, strengths and weaknesses are highlighted and explored as he tackles his mind and
the journey he has in front of him. The motif of sex and sexuality is strong throughout the novel and is
an ongoing struggle for Holden throughout the book. Holden is not unique in this way, this is a struggle
that most people Holden’s age battle with. JD Salinger uses the motif of sex and sexuality as a way to
illustrate the theme that while most people Holden’s age wants to experience sex and sexuality, they
are still uncertain, confused and fear what it may mean for their lives. Holden sees sex as a way to
mature, but also fights the idea in an attempt to hold on to his youth.

In the beginning of the book, Holden has conflicting views on sex and sexuality. More specifically, his
conflicting views on women. It some ways it seems that Holden respects women, for example his life
long friend Jane, who he has deep affection for and who he feels the need to protect. This is especially
the case in terms of his friend Stradlater’s sexual intentions with Jane. It is clear that Holden is in love
with Jane, and cherishes his childhood memories with her. While his friend, Stradlater, only views her as
a sexual object. Holden struggles with Stradlater’s intentions and this eventually leads to violence fueled
by Holden’s jealousy. On the one hand, Holden sees most women as materialistic, objects and sexual.
These are feelings he explores and fantasizes about. On the other hand, he sees some women, such as
Jane, as innocent, kind, loving and perfect. He is confident and bold in some situations with women, but
he is shy and afraid in others. This is clear, when Holden refuses to go downstairs and talk to Jane, while
she waits for Stradlater. Holden’s views on women are similar to his views on the world. While he wants
to be experienced and mature and sexual, he is still afraid of what this might mean to his youth and
innocence.

As Holden’s journey into New York progresses, his sexual intentions become stronger and his desire to
have a sexual encounter increase. In one situation, Holden finds himself torn between his sexual desires
and his own innocence. Holden claims that “In my mind, I am probably the biggest sex maniac you ever
saw. Sometimes I can think of the crumby stuff I won’t mind doing if the opportunity came up” (62)
Initially this illustrates Holden’s internal sexual curiosity and his views on women as sexual objects. But it
seems that he says this purely out of the desire to seem sexually normal, and in line with the sexual
views of his peers. However, it is clear that he is torn and doesn’t really feel this way. In Holden’s
encounters at the nightclub and hotel it seems that Holden is still protective of his own innocence and
youth and confused by sex and sexuality. While he fantasizes about sexual acts, he still cannot distance
himself from the idea that sex should be based on romance, respect and love as opposed to lust.

Holden’s childhood, and the unfortunate sexual experiences that occurred during his childhood have a
strong effect on his views on sex and sexuality. For example, in chapter 24, Holden finds himself at the
apartment of his teacher Mr. Antolini. During this encounter, it can be said that Holden was sexualized
by Mr. Antolini. This causes Holden distress and anxiety and he begins reflecting upon his childhood
which included instances where he was sexually abused. This leads to Holden reflecting on his childhood
which included incidents of sexual abuse involving Holden. Holden is afraid, distraught and
uncomfortable and flees Mr. Antolini’s apartment as quick as he can. This highlights Holden’s fear of sex
and sexuality. While he constantly fantasizes about sex and finds himself in situations throughout his
adventure where his sexuality and innocence are tested, it is clear that he is not able to experience sex
as casual or unimportant, but instead as something important, consequential, and something that
should not be taken lightly.

The motif of sex and sexuality is clear throughout tHolden’s adventure into New York and within his
internal struggles and confusion as presented by Salinger. We are presented with a character who like
most his age obsesses over sex, crave a sexual encounter and experience sexual competitiveness with
their peers. Holden’s perception on sex and sexuality is unique and complex. In the first part of the
novel, Holden expresses a conflicting view on his perception of women. On the one hand, He sexualizes
and engages in sexual driven relationships with them. On the other hand, he sees women, specifically
Jane, as pure and as those who’s innocence should be protected. Eventually he fantasizes freely about
sex and seeks out casual sexual encounters in New York, but he still can’t seem to cross the line and
become a sexual being. He wants to act on his desires, but still can’t separate lust from love. Finally, he
is put in a situation that forces him to reflect on his childhood and the sexual abuse he endured and the
value that is placed on sex. He is experienced, yet inexperienced. He is bold yet still afraid. Holden is
sexually innocent and he is frightened by the effect sex may have on his progression into becoming an
adult. It is clear that Holden’s views on sex and his sexual experiences are in line with his view on the
world. He is bold and ready to take on society, shed his youth and become an adult, but he is still
anxious and fearful about what crossing this line may mean for him personally.