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

J.D. Salinger Has written several books about young people including The Catcher in the Rye and Franny and Zoey Has written several books about young people including The Catcher in the Rye and Franny and Zoey Served in WWII Served in WWII Last publication in 1965 Last publication in 1965 Last interview in 1980! Last interview in 1980!

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

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

Reasons for Banning? Until 2006, Catcher was one of the most frequently banned books. 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. 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. 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. 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. The story is about Holden Caulfield, the 16 year old protagonist of the novel, and his experiences in school and New York City.

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 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 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 He has been referred to as a terrible liar, though this is difficult to prove/disprove Alienation from society– Salinger seems determined to keep his life private from outsiders. Alienation from society– Salinger seems determined to keep his life private from outsiders.

Point of View First-person limited- we see this story only through Holden’s eyes First-person limited- we see this story only through Holden’s eyes “You”- the psychoanalyst and the reader “You”- the psychoanalyst and the reader Stream of Consciousness; many digressions Stream of Consciousness; many digressions Dialect- Salinger perfected the dialect of the teenage boy 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

Topics Phonies/Societal Pressures Phonies/Societal Pressures –“phony” implies snobbery –Holden hates phonies –Conformity vs resistance Adolescence/ Loss of Innocence Adolescence/ Loss of Innocence –Holden is between childhood and adulthood –Doesn’t fit in anywhere Perception of Truth Perception of Truth –Changes in values –Identify formation

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

Holden’s Quests Holden is looking for THREE things: Holden is looking for THREE things: –The Innocence of Childhood  Wants things to remain the same as when he was younger –Love –Identity  What do I do with my life? What does this all mean?  How do I live up to expectations and still be an individual?

What to look for while reading? This novel is a character study of Holden. This novel is a character study of Holden. –Analyze Holden’s motivations, his personality, and his mental stability. –What’s Holden’s deal? Is there something wrong with him (is he crazy?) or is he a just a normal teenager?

Response Put yourself into Holden’s shoes. What would you do if you were expelled from school and knew that your parents would not know you were expelled for two days? Put yourself into Holden’s shoes. What would you do if you were expelled from school and knew that your parents would not know you were expelled for two days? Plan out those two days and please keep your responses school appropriate. Plan out those two days and please keep your responses school appropriate.