Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's novel, is a teenage boy who has recently been expelled from his prep school. Throughout the story, Holden grapples with feelings of alienation, confusion, and a desire to protect innocence, especially that of children. The novel is set in New York City, where Holden wanders through various environments, reflecting on his past and future. His narrative offers insight into the struggles of growing up and facing the realities of adulthood. Key phrases such as 'phoniness' and 'escape' highlight his inner conflict and desire to cling to innocence. As Holden interacts with peers, family, and strangers, his perceptions and emotions reveal the complex process of coming of age, marked by transitions, realizations, and a search for identity.