Catcher in the Rye Essay Holden wanted to be the catcher in the rye. Holden wanted to catch children before they fell off the cliff and realized how the world really is, the world is disappointing. He wanted to keep children innocent and pure. There are several quotes and examples to support this in Catcher in the Rye like when the kid was singing in the park of Radio City, the school scene, Allie’s death and Holden’s rage over Allie’s death. Allie’s death helps make Holden’s decision about wanting to be a catcher in the rye. Holden wished he could have caught Allie before he fel