Everyone's mother always said that the innocence of childhood is the best thing in the world, but to Holden it is the world. When reading The Catcher in the Rye some people disdain Holden because they think he is cynical and immature, but in reality he is a representation of all of us. Unlike other books, the protagonist isn't someone you want to be friends with, he's someone you realize you are. J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye chronicles Holden's escape from boarding school and life alone in New York City. While there, he meets interesting people who he calls fake but who actually reflect characteristics of himself and the frightening qualities of the culture in which he lives. At first he is pessimistic towards everyone and everything, except in the last scene, when he watches his sister on television. Good ride, does a full 180° turn and starts to feel better, the sun comes out from behind the clouds and it's a new and better Holden. It is this last scene that sets the stage for Holden's future. Change in a positive way, now less cynical and more open-minded, becoming a better and healthier person. The carousel scene serves as the climax for the book. Holden realizes that he will not be able to create a utopia in which children never reach the falsity of adulthood. He now understands that "if [the children] want to take the gold ring, you must let them do it and not say anything" (211). They should be able to make mistakes on their own and learn from them without any interference “If they fall, they fall, but it's bad if you tell them something,” they don't need anyone to protect their innocence (211). The further meaning of this scene lies in the symbol of the golden ring. It's a physical manifestation of that... half of the card... Sunny's door in chapter fourteen, and slipping back onto the ice with Sally. Eventually he realizes that children must fall and there is no point in stopping them. His change in character comes from his change in perspective. He has matured and therefore sees the world in a mature way: for Holden the world is now a better place, a place he wants to be part of. Holden's metamorphism throughout the book makes him a more likable and relatable character. He no longer criticizes everything or feels inclined to hate every aspect of life. Holden is capable of great change and so are all people. By learning more about your life than others you become a better person. By reading The Rye's Young Friend you learn how others see you and how they see themselves. The fascinating insight of this book improves your self-esteem and ability to sympathize with other people.