Introduction to J.D. Salinger’s: The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger

J.D. Salinger Born in NYC to parents Sol and Miriam: father was Jewish, mother, Catholic Jerome David Salinger Recognized as one of the most popular and influential authors of American fiction during the second half of the twentieth century. By his own choice he remained out of the public eye for most of his life.

The Catcher in the Rye Published in 1951 He has sold over 65 million copies world wide! Despite its popular success, the critical response to The Catcher in the Rye was mostly negative. One of the most frequently challenged books in library history because of sex and vulgar language. Named one of the best novels of the 20th century by Time Magazine.

Reasons for Banning? Until 2006, Catcher was one of the most frequently banned books. Mark David Chapman (assassin of John Lennon) and John Hinckley Jr. (attempted assassin of President Ronald Reagan) both had copies of the book in their pockets when they were arrested.

The Catcher in the Rye Tells the story of a teenager expelled from his high school and his journey across NYC in the 1950’s. Issues discussed in the book include: school, teachers, music, sex, alcohol, hypocrisy, family, and being a teenager. The story is about Holden Caulfield, the 16 year old protagonist of the novel, and his experiences in school and New York City.

Holden’s Character and Us Holden Caulfield = sketch of an American teenager Nearly all readers identify with or see some of their friends reflected in different aspects of Holden’s character. Young readers see in Holden Caulfield a little bit of what they are, while older readers see in Holden a bit of what they once were. Ultimately, we all know that is some way, Holden is one of us.

Similarities between J.D. Salinger and Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger attended prep schools in NYC and flunked out of McBurney School at 13 He attended Valley Forge Military Academy and graduated at 15 He has been referred to as a terrible liar, though this is difficult to prove/disprove Alienation from society– Salinger was determined to keep his life private from outsiders.

Point of View First-person limited- we see this story only through Holden’s eyes “You”- the psychoanalyst and the reader Stream of Consciousness; many digressions Dialect- Salinger perfected the dialect of the teenage boy This language is the cause of much controversy over the book This creates a very believable character

Themes/Topics Phonies/Societal Pressures (B,V &S) “phony” implies snobbery Holden hates phonies Identity/ Where is home? Holden is at the in between stage of life, in between a child and an adult Holden wants to be accepted by children and adults, however, he doesn’t fit into either category

Dominant Symbols and Motifs The Carousel The Red Hunting Cap The Catcher’s Mitt The Ducks in Central Park Pond The Museum of Natural History