to expand by stating that children are always a symbol and reality of hope, the hope that is eventually lost in a society that no longer cares. Salinger writes of a society that no longer holds true to the moral codes of yesteryear but instead shows no respect for anyone. This downward spiral of society can even be seen in the language that is integrated into the work. With the use of a rich New York dialect and the use of some popular language of the time, Salinger is able to connect these characters to the reader. Nace stated that "the dialect and language was [Salinger's] way of making the work true and accessible to those readers who could relate." The language seemed to strengthen the constant narrative dialogue but equally to force the reader to focus on key parts of the novel. This method is the author's way of pointing the reader's headin the diction he himself chooses. This society frustrates Holden to the point that he fanaticizes that he be a "catcher" in the playground of a rye field that sits next to a cliff. Holden dreams of letting the children in the playground play until one got too close to the cliff and he is there to catch the children before they fall off. The allusion is Salinger's way of showing that society does need to care. Even Holden, who can almost not bear to live, still want's to save the virginity of innocence for his little sister. The symbolism begins to become abundant. At this point Holden has evolved into a much more mature character than is first presented to the reader. "His hope becomes the Christ figure," says Nace. He wants what is best for the children and his society but in the long run it is this same society that holds Holden back. Holden never loses sight, but at the end he winds up in a mental institution. This ending resembles Salinger's own true life story in a way as he is now living in seclusion in upstate New York and has made no statement or appearance in the last fifteen years. Litt...
