Though Holden is often viewed as a pretentious and whining brat by some readers of The Catcher in the Rye, much of the novel involves his coming-of-age journey.
Holden declines to fight his nagging, didactic teacher Mr. Spencer. Knowing to pick your battles is a mature process, since Holden is less concerned with always having the last word and appearing to be right.
At the beginning of chapter three, Holden announces, "I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. It's awful." He is open about his flaw and does not sugarcoat it or make excuses as a child would.
When Holden hears about his friend Jane dating Stradlater, he is terrified that Stradlater might try to force her into sex. He is aware of how someone like Stradlater is and doesn't want Jane hurt. This is a mature response—he doesn't care about competing with Stradlater for Jane. He doesn't even care who Jane is seeing, as long as she is happy and safe.
In chapter nine, Holden thinks about sexuality. He is confused by it, since he believes sex should be an expression of love, yet he often "necks" with girls he finds annoying or "phony." Unlike the other boys at his school, however, Holden is honest about his sexual feelings and rarely brags about fake conquests. He is open about how sexual matters make him feel and this is a mature response.
In chapter twelve, Holden says, "I'm always saying 'Glad to have met you' to someone I'm not at all glad I met. If you want to stay alive, you have to say that stuff, though." He's not happy about social customs, but he knows better than to buck them on a whim. While this seems like a small thing, it is significant for a contrary individual like Holden.
When Holden talks with the prostitute Sunny, he feels sorry for her. He thinks about her concern for her new dress and it makes him feel sad. He implicitly realizes how hard her life must be, even if he cannot articulate it.
When Holden speaks with the nuns, he says he appreciates their simple lifestyle which does not revolve around money and consumerism. He also appreciates their tolerance of him and their not trying to convert him to Catholicism. These are mature appreciations of character.
When Holden runs into Sally, he sees right through her mannered behavior and emphasis on trends. Many teens care about appearances and keeping up with fashions, which Holden does not concern himself with. He is mature in that he is not concerned with what's in or with being socially pretentious, as Sally still is.
Holden does not allow Phoebe to come along with him, since he knows it isn't in her best interests. Though he is lonely, he will not drag his sister with him, and this is a wise, selfless decision.
Holden's biggest coming-of-age moment is when he watches Phoebe ride the carousel. He realizes that the pain which comes with growing up (which he equates with reaching for the golden ring and falling) is a natural process that leads to possible fulfillment in the adult world. He starts to see growing up as something less evil and corrupting.
In chapter one, when Holden decides to leave Pencey Prep, he recognizes that, despite the claims in the glossy brochures that the school uses to promote itself, it is a school no better or worse than any other when it comes to "molding boys...into men." Holden's skepticism signals independent, adult thought.
In chapter two, Holden opts not to argue with Mr. Spencer, even when his teacher becomes annoying and lectures him. Learning to pick his battles is part of Holden's maturation process.
In chapter four, Holden becomes worried about Jane's virtue when he learns that Stradlater is taking her on a date. It isn't that Holden is jealous; he is more concerned that his roommate will hurt Jane, which reflects a mature attitude.
In chapter six when Holden has his physical confrontation with Stradlater, this is a battle that Holden thinks is worth fighting. Stradlater's cavalier attitude and casual cruelty offend Holden, and he stands up to him on principle as an adult would.
In chapter seven, Holden begins to think about the kind of future he wants. He questions Ackley about the lives of monks because it seems to be a way of life that he could be drawn to as an adult.
In chapter nine, Holden confesses "I was feeling pretty horny." Recognizing one's sexuality is part of a person's coming of age.
In chapter fifteen, Holden feels admiration and compassion for people like the nuns and his old roommate who don't have lives that revolve around money and expensive possessions. Holden's parents are wealthy, and by rejecting the trappings of their life, he is beginning to think for himself.
Holden's rejection of Sally Hayes because of her superficiality signals that he is again, rejecting the values of a social class that he feels does not fit him.
When Holden will not allow Phoebe to leave with him, he is beginning to recognize the depth of his problems, and he knows it would be wrong to involve her in what he knows he must face on his own.
Holden's refusal to join Phoebe on the carousel is symbolic of his recognition that he is now an adult and that he must leave childhood behind, but enjoy the fact that it is still something that she can genuinely and innocently enjoy.
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