John Milton once said "Hypocrisy, the only evil that walks invisible." The Catcher in the Rye by Jerome David Salinger in a highly demonstrative novel of the theme hypocrisy. Salinger promotes the definition of hypocrisy through the protagonist of the novel, Holden Caulfield. Told as a monologue, Holden describes his activities and thoughts prior to his nervous collapse. As he narrates, in addition he weaves his opinions into the plot, which at most times are very opposite of that he is actually quoting. At this point the audience is provoked of Holden's false possession of moral standards and opinions, which establishes that Holden must be categorized as a hypocrite. Hypocrisy is a silent shadow walking hand-in-hand with Holden. However, Holden does not sense it. Protagonist's hypocritical attitude directly contributes to his demise and the problems he encounters throughout the novel.

Adolescence is a very important stage in the...