How did the speaker realise the hypocrisy of the adults?

In J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye," the protagonist and narrator, Holden Caulfield, becomes disillusioned with the hypocrisy of adults through various experiences and observations throughout the novel.

Holden perceives adults as being insincere, phony, and morally corrupt, often behaving in ways that contradict their professed values or beliefs. Here are a few instances where Holden realizes the hypocrisy of adults:

1. Encounters with Adults: Throughout the novel, Holden interacts with various adults who exhibit behaviors he finds dishonest or disingenuous. For example, he encounters Mr. Spencer, his history teacher, who tries to impart life lessons to Holden but ultimately fails to connect with him on a meaningful level. Similarly, Holden's interactions with adults such as Mr. Antolini and Mr. Haas further reinforce his perception of adult hypocrisy.

2. Observations of Society: Holden observes the superficiality and materialism of adult society, particularly in his experiences at Pencey Prep and New York City. He sees adults who prioritize social status, wealth, and conformity over authenticity and integrity. This disillusionment with societal values contributes to Holden's growing sense of alienation and mistrust of adults.

3. Personal Loss and Betrayal: Holden experiences personal loss and betrayal at the hands of adults, further reinforcing his belief in their hypocrisy. For example, Holden's brother, Allie, dies at a young age, leading him to question the fairness and justice of the adult world. Additionally, Holden feels betrayed by people he once admired, such as his former teacher, Mr. Antolini, whose actions cause Holden to question his trust in authority figures.

Overall, Holden's realization of adult hypocrisy is a central theme in "The Catcher in the Rye," driving much of his internal conflict and disillusionment with the world around him. His perceptions of adult insincerity and moral corruption shape his rebellious attitude and desire to protect the innocence of children, which ultimately define his character arc throughout the novel.