The Catcher in the Rye Theme of Sexuality and Sexual Identity

Sexuality is a big concern for narrator and protagonist Holden Caulfield, a seventeen-year-old boy. He presents the point of view that sexuality is inherently degrading for a woman, and therefore cannot reconcile acting sexually toward a woman that he respects. The Catcher in the Rye also includes mention of possible childhood molestation, and examines the way in which such events affect young adults as they try to understand their own sexuality.

1. Why does Holden sabotage it every time he has the opportunity to have sex?
2. What is Holden's attitude toward women? Toward men?
3. What does Holden consider "perverty" behavior? Is this a reasonable definition?
4. Is Holden in love with Jane Gallagher?
5. We only see Jane Gallagher in flashbacks. What is the effect of Salinger's choice never to show her to us?
6. Is Holden able to distinguish between love and lust?

Although Holden is obsessed with sex, he wants to preserve innocence more than he wants to gain carnal knowledge. This is why he never has sex in The Catcher in the Rye.

Holden's view of any sexual act as "crumby" and degrading is the result of his experiences with sexual abuse.