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

2. J.D. Salinger

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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.

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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