J.D. Salinger’s *The Catcher in the Rye* has generated diverse critical interpretations since its publication in 1951. Scholars have examined the novel from psychological, social, formal, cultural, and existential perspectives, resulting in multiple understandings of Holden Caulfield’s character and the meaning of his journey. While some critics view Holden as a symbol of adolescent alienation and emotional struggle, others interpret him as a rebellious figure challenging the values of post-war American society. From a psychological perspective, many scholars focus on Holden’s mental and emotional condition. Critics often interpret his alienation, anger, and depression as signs of a young person experiencing trauma and difficulty coping with loss. The death of his younger brother Allie is considered a central influence on Holden’s inability to accept change and maturity. Psychoanalytic interpretations suggest that Holden’s obsession with protecting innocence, represented by his fantasy of being the “catcher in the rye,” reflects his desire to prevent others from experiencing the pain and corruption he associates with adulthood. His