The playwright Tom Stoppard wrote: "If you carry your childhood with you, you will never grow old." Young people live in a carefree world, constantly surrounded by people who care about them. As they grow older, they are given more responsibilities and ultimately, the weight of the world is placed on their shoulders. Some people are able to wean themselves from infancy more easily than others. In the novel The Catcher in the Rye, by JD Salinger, Holden Caulfield struggles with the difficulties of the adult world. Because of this clash of identities, Holden simultaneously plays the dual role of adult and child. One group of people that Holden plays a dual role with is with his own family. At times when Holden feels particularly depressed, he wanders off to his late brother, Allie. Mentioning Allie is fine at first, but then it becomes an unhealthy habit. Holden is unable to move on with his life and accept the fact that Allie is gone and life goes on. Just as Allie was an important family member to Holden, Phoebe also plays an important role in his life. Holden is very protective of Phoebe and cares for her, but at the same time he goes to Phoebe for help and advice. As much as Holden would like to seem paternal, he also acts childish. Because he acts fatherly to Phoebe, he also wants the best for his brother DB. While you know that what DB does may not be the best way to pursue a career in life, try to support him without judging him. Holden is very protective of his family but at the same time in an unhealthy way, while some family members, like Phoebe, need to protect him. Holden cares deeply for his family but has a harder time getting along with... ... middle of paper ...... ally. Holden's idea of ​​leaving with Sally Hayes is a truly irrational idea. As soon as he sees her he says, "I felt like marrying her the moment I saw her" (124). This immediate reaction is very unrealistic. Even if he is trying to establish a permanent relationship, it is not very practical considering the circumstances. It seems like a perfect idea to Holden, but to Sally and any other practically minded individual it is not. Holden's struggle with relationships is often due to his immaturity and irrational thoughts. Holden simultaneously plays the dual role of adult and child. Much of what Holden says and does is contradictory to his thought process. He wrestles with the concepts of the adult world as he experiences them. In truth, the older you are, the wiser you tend to be. The memories and feelings of youth always remain, but the child must move on.