Abstract:The Catcher in the Rye is a successful novel and is very popular among young people. This novel tells a story about a teenager named Holden Caulfield, who wants to be a catcher in the rye after experiencing lots of spiritual impact. Comments on The Catcher in the Rye are various. Critics at home and abroad analyze this novel from different perspectives. They have analyzed its theme, structure, language, characters and so on. This thesis argues that the main character Holden Caulfield is an innocent boy and attempts to prove that on the basis of the details in the novel. Holden represents a generation of that time. His rebel shows his anger and disappointment. But his preservation of his innocence makes people see the hope in this indifferent and hypocritical society. His quest encourages people to change the situation.

Key Words: innocence, Holden, quest, The Catcher in the Rye

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Introduction-1

Chapter One Holden’s Preservation of His Own Innocence-3

1.1 Holden’s Pursuing of Goodness-4

1.2 The Goodness in Holden-5

Chapter Two Holden’s Protection of Innocence-7

2.1 Guarding the Ducks in the Lagoon-7

2.2 Being a Catcher in the Rye-8

2.3 Holden’s Devotion-9

2.4 Significance of Holden’s Quest-10

Conclusion-11

Bibliography-12

Acknowledgements-13