The loss of Innocence: The 1950’s Teenagers Compared to Holden Caulfield Bobby Palentchar

The Typical 1950’s Teenager Rebellious – Avoided parents and their demands Independent Influenced very easily – Movie stars – Rock stars like Elvis Fashion changes – Greaser style by boys – Girls often wore skirts Liked Rock n’ Roll – Listened to it – Danced to it First group to “Date” Picture shows some 1950’s boys dancing and singing at a concert A look at some “Greasers”

Holden Caulfield’s Childhood Two brothers, one of them passed away Sister named Phoebe Kicked out of school Shows signs of immaturity – Getting in fights – Foul language – Always worries about everyone else – Lives his life fantasizing – Wastes his money

Examples of Holden’s Maturity Wants to help people – Tying the girls ice skates – Giving money to the nuns Tries to act as a role model around Phoebe Knows his way around Journeying Smoking/Drinking Physical Appearance

Holden's Transition from Child to Adult: Symbols Ducks – Change Red Hunting Hat – Holden’s individuality as well as need for companionship Museum – Never changes Catcher in the Rye song – Holden wants to “catch” kids before they fall into the adult world Holden’s red hunting hat

Holden’s Loss of Innocence Breaking Laws – Drinking – Ordering hookers Foul language Smoking Getting kicked out of school

Loss of Innocence: the 1950’s teenager Rock n’ Roll – Listening – Dancing Automobiles – Hot rods – Motorcycles – Provided a gateway away from home Dating Fashion Teenagers singing and paying rock n’ roll

Personal View