He's mostly self centered but he also has a strong belief that children should be "protected" from growing up and being hurt, something he learns to let go of by the end. Despite detesting just about everything he seems to hold a somewhat idealized view of childhood innocence.

Quote Originally Posted by Fragony View Post
'The symbolism is pretty simple in the Catcher and the Rye, at least on the surface (the character has to figure out to let go and let others grow and learn through experience, rather than trying to save them from it). The main character is just so unlikable *shudder*.'

What is he supposed to catch in the rye, I still don't get. He's self-centred why would he save anything he detests everything or is at least observing at best

gah