Chapter 20

In Chapter 20 of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden leaves the Wicker Bar and goes to Central Park. There he reflects more on Allie and we learn something significant about Allie's funeral: Holden wasn't even present. Holden also says "I know it's only his body and all that's in the cemetery and his soul's in heaven and all that crap." (pg.202) This directly contradicts his earlier claims to be an atheist. It's possible that Holden believes in God but does not want to. Maybe he thinks if he puts too much trust in God then God will betray him just like he betrayed Allie. Holden feels that if God were as good as people say he is, then he wouldn't make people leave their comfort zones. Allie was comfortable being alive and Holden was comfortable being a child.