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

J.D. Salinger 1919 – – 2010 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 Had not granted an interview since 1980! Had not granted an interview since 1980!

J.D. Salinger Born in NYC to parents Sol and Miriam: father was Jewish, mother was Catholic Born in NYC to parents Sol and Miriam: father was Jewish, mother was 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. Has, by his own choice, remained out of the public eye for most of his life. Has, 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 An expelled teenager tells a doctor (and the reader) about his journey across NYC in the 1950’s. In the story, Holden is 16. The Holden telling the story is 17 and in some institution (presumably for mental issues.) An expelled teenager tells a doctor (and the reader) about his journey across NYC in the 1950’s. In the story, Holden is 16. The Holden telling the story is 17 and in some institution (presumably for mental issues.) Issues discussed in the book include: school, relationships between teenagers and adults, music, sex, alcohol, hypocrisy, family, and overall the experience of being a teenager. Issues discussed in the book include: school, relationships between teenagers and adults, music, sex, alcohol, hypocrisy, family, and overall the experience of being a teenager.

Holden’s Character and Us Holden Caulfield = sketch of an American teenager. 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. 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. 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, Holden is one of us in some way. Ultimately, Holden is one of us in some way.

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, distrustful of others. Alienation from society– Salinger seems determined to keep his life private from outsiders, distrustful of others.

Similarities between J.D. Salinger and Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger saw extensive battletime during WWII. He witnessed D-Day and was present during the earliest concentration camp liberations. J.D. Salinger saw extensive battletime during WWII. He witnessed D-Day and was present during the earliest concentration camp liberations. –Given this information, we can see how Salinger may share Holden’s disgust for society and civilization. Salinger also habitually dated/married women much younger than him, which may hint at his belief that innocence/youth are beautiful. Salinger also habitually dated/married women much younger than him, which may hint at his belief that innocence/youth are beautiful.

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 (doctor Holden is talking to) and the reader “You”- the psychoanalyst (doctor Holden is talking to) and the reader Stream of Consciousness- many digressions from the “events” taking place Stream of Consciousness- many digressions from the “events” taking place 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

Themes/Topics Phonies/Societal Pressures Phonies/Societal Pressures –“phony” implies snobbery, someone trying to appear better than others –Holden hates phonies Adolescence/ Loss of Innocence Adolescence/ Loss of Innocence –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

Thematic Questions Within Catcher Individuality vs. Conformity Individuality vs. Conformity –Can one accept the wrongs and rights of society and still maintain integrity? Intelligence vs. Ignorance Intelligence vs. Ignorance –If knowledge of evil makes us unhappy, is it better to know or be ignorant and blissful? Stagnation vs. Progress Stagnation vs. Progress –Is continual personal development needed to maintain happiness, or can we stay at a happy stage?

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  What is it? What do we need to do to get it? –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? –Connections between your teenage experience and Holden’s. How different are teenagers across generations?

Journal 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.