Holden is a complex person with many conflicting characteristics. He has many ambitions and desires for his life but he is faced with the basic conflict in the story, corruption. This corruption is what drives him and at the same time restricts him Holden's being surrounded by corruption disgusts him. There are a few main instances in which Holden encounters corruption directly. One type is Stradlater, the 'secret slob'or Ernie, who 'performs for the people'. …showed first 75 words of 778 total…

…showed last 75 words of 778 total…wants to continue his life as an adult but a child at heart and mind. By doing this he destroys many incorrupt things that he has yet to experience. Holden's whole life revolves around the battle of corruption and innocence. This battle, through Holden's eyes, is one of adulthood verses childhood. this battle is an impossible one an until Holden realizes this he will never leave his land of illusion and adjust to the world.