Through the theme of innocence Salinger is able to bring forth different elements of litterature which will be discussed in this essay.

The theme I am going to focus on in this book report is innocence, which is directly related to theme of authentic versus artificial. This theme reflects Holden's view of the world and life. Holden sees life as a conflict between authentic and artificial and this theme relates to his attitude towards children and the preserving of their innocence. If these children might succumb to the ways of the adult world, they will become "phonies", …

…his contempt for adults and his love of youth. As Holden is led to his epiphany, he undertakes a difficult journey, which allows him to grow and slowly mature. At this point, Holden undergoes a radical change, which involves the theme of the book and a realistic view of the world. Through Salinger's use of symbolism, Holden's love of innocence is epitomized. These literary techniques allow Salinger to reveal the significance of a common theme.