THE TRANSITION FROM CHILDHOOD AND ADULTHOOD OCCURRED AS TEENAGERS

IN THE 1950’S, SUCH AS HOLDEN CAULFIELD, EMERGED THEIR OWN

IDENTITIES THROUGH SELF-EXPRESSION AND NEW FOUND INDEPENDENCE.

Mikayla Measey

Characteristics – 1950s Teenager

Generation of new beginnings

Dominated fashionGreaser and prep looks

were utilizedRock ‘n’ RollElvis Presley - “King of

Rock ‘n’ Roll,” idolizedNew outlook on life Freedom and

independenceCollege was new futureBeat Movement showed

self-expression

Holden – Childhood

ImmatureLies Overreacts in situationsExtremely judgmentalCalls everyone a phonyConstantly asking

questionsImagination runs wildDoesn’t follow through

with thingsWandering mind

Holden – Adulthood

Smokes cigarettesDrinksInterested in sex and

womenCurses all the timeTravels aloneMore respectfulCaring about his

younger sister

Childhood – Adulthood

Frozen lake represents thin line between childhood and adulthood

Holden relates to ducksDoesn’t understand where

the ducks go; doesn’t understand where he’s meant to go in life

Things are only temporary and can change quickly

Deeper connection between childhood and adulthood then what meets the eye

Holden’s POV – Loss of Innocence

Innocence is lost too quicklyWants Phoebe to stay young and innocentNotices children attempt to be mature by writing

offensive language on school walls and public areas

Cursing, smoking, drinking, and wanting to have sex

Turning his loneliness into independenceStop relying on others to bail him outLost his innocence through his experiences- Allie’s

death and getting kicked out of 4 different schools

1950s Teenager POV – Loss of Innocence

Doing your own thingWearing what you wantListening to music you

likeRebellious actionsFreedom was banned-

dances and Rock ‘n’ RollDatingLost youth through new

experiences – self-expression, new interest in dating, sexual experimentation

My POV – Childhood to Adulthood

IndependenceMaturityThinking through decisions and choicesKnowing the pros and cons of each choice

you makeGetting through strugglesPlans for the futureStability in lifeResponsibility