Catcher in the Rye: Holden Caulfield's Perception and Gradual Acceptance of the "Real" World. In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden views the world as an evil and corrupt place where there is no peace. This perception of the world does not change significantly through the novel. However as the novel progresses, Holden gradually comes to the realization that he is powerless to change this. During the short period of Holden's life covered in this book, "Holden does succeed in making us perceive that the world is crazy".1 Shortly after Holden leaves Pencey Prep he checks in to the Edmont Hotel. This i