Holden's negative perceptions of adults are shaped by various experiences and observations throughout the novel:
- Inauthenticity: Holden frequently criticizes adults for being fake and pretentious, often referring to them as "phonies." He feels they wear masks and pretend to be something they're not, lacking genuine emotions and motivations.
- Greed and Corruption: Holden encounters instances of greed and corruption among adults. He criticizes the financial world, the education system, and the entertainment industry for their materialistic values and lack of integrity.
- Hypocrisy: Holden points out adults' hypocrisy in preaching moral values while engaging in questionable behaviors themselves. He is particularly critical of their sexual hypocrisy and their lack of authenticity in expressing emotions.
- Disconnection from Youth: Holden feels a significant generational gap between himself and adults. He believes that adults have lost touch with their youthful ideals, becoming jaded and cynical as they age.
Holden's disdain for adults is also driven by his own sense of disillusionment and the difficulties he faces in navigating adolescence. He feels misunderstood by adults and sees them as unsupportive and judgmental. As a result, he often longs for a simpler time when he was a child and the world seemed more straightforward and innocent.
However, it's important to note that Holden is also capable of acknowledging the positive qualities of some adults. Throughout the novel, he encounters a few individuals, such as his English teacher, Mr. Antolini, who have genuine kindness and understanding towards him. These encounters provide him with moments of hope and connection amidst his negative perceptions of adults.