What is a catcher in the rye and why does Holden want to be one?

In literature, The Catcher in the Rye is a novel written by J.D. Salinger, published in 1951. The novel is categorized under the Bildungsroman genre, which means a coming-of-age story, following the protagonist Holden Caulfield's experiences and development into adulthood, specifically his struggle with identity, alienation, and transition into maturity.The titular phrase, a "catcher in the rye," is a metaphorical concept presented by Holden Caulfield - a sixteen-year-old boy who has been expelled from his prep school, Pencey Prep School, and is wandering through New York City, avoiding going home as long as possible.

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