ABSTRACT
The fundamental difference between Marshall Elliott's fate and Holden Caulfield's is that the authors want Holden to move into maturity as a young adult, while they want Elliott to stay a child for as long as possible. They are at different developmental stages and should have different goals. In his study of the "hurried child," David Elkind considers play to be "nature's way of dealing with stress for children as well as adults". Kenneth Slawenski suggests that "It is with Salinger's experience of the Second World War in mind," his struggle with the pain of losing his friends and his innocence in battle, "that we should understand Holden Caulfield's insight at the Central Park carousel" and explains that "Holden comes to realize he can enter adulthood without becoming false and sacrificing his values". Elliott begins his story pleading for acceptance from the older kids.
