Nostalgia can be thought of as an invertible feeling that everyone will experience at some point in their life. The definition of nostalgia is “a sentimental longing or nostalgic affection for the past, usually for a time or place with happy personal associations.” The Catcher in the Rye contains characters who follow the definition of nostalgia, to the point where it will affect their outcome in life, making nostalgia a glaring trait. Not everyone who desires too much or depends on nostalgia can succeed in life. The Catcher in the Rye begins by stating, "The first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born...but I don't want to go there." inside…” (Salinger 6). This statement denies the inclusion of any nostalgic memories. The verbal irony lies in the fact that towards the end of the book, the character of Holden Caulfield, being the source of all nostalgia in the novel, rejects any chance that nostalgia could be found, before said nostalgia is introduced. Caulfield's nostalgic memories concern important people such as Phoebe Caulfield. Phoebe is Holden's younger sister with whom he spent much of his childhood. As the time to meet Phoebe approaches, Holden reveals other events he experienced with Phoebe. Holden's memories of Phoebe and his actions that led him to return to meet Phoebe are actions that prevent him from becoming his definition of success. Holden's unique definition of success can be considered because of the actions he chooses to take and the negative consequences of those decisions and how they affect him. Initially, Holden went to a prestigious school with several opportunities to live a successful life, although his choice to fail all his exams......is impossible the so-called "American dream", even if the teenager does not does not recognize that this is impracticable. This lack of recognition is not intentional, it is a misconception that they are led to believe due to the expectations set by society. Inevitably, a phony society's definition of success for adolescents is a failure. When the "American dream" is spinning in a failing direction and there is nothing left but debt and failure, nostalgia is a "relief pillow" in which the adolescent would use to comfort. Holden uses individuals who are not defined as “fake” as a fallback, including Phoebe. Contemporary adolescents and Holden are consistent on this subject because not all know what their personal definition of success will be, even if all know where to turn if their plan for success is not correctly executed..