The Catcher in the Rye J.D. SALINGER

J.D. Salinger Jan 29, 2010 Born in New York City Attended and flunked out of a number of private schools Forced to attend Valley Forge Military Academy Salinger’s father was cold to him Pressured him to make money; father worked in meat processing Salinger became a vegetarian

Father was Jewish; mother was Irish Catholic Conflict in social status– Ivy League Schools did not admit Jewish students Saw some of the worst fighting of World War II One of the first Americans to witness the horrors of the concentration camps Checked into military hospital for psychiatric reasons

The Catcher in the Rye Slang and profanity Discussed teenage sexuality in an open way Casual and informal tone Catcher published in 1951…banned in many schools Refused to have picture printed in his book Spends later life in solitude– refuses to give interviews Still writing?

THEMES Loneliness and Alienation Holden feels cut off from the rest of the world, almost as if he doesn’t belong. As a result, he is often vulnerable to the attacks of a cruel and indifferent society. Is he alienated by society, or does he alienate himself? Defense Mechanisms Defense mechanisms are strategies used by people to deal with reality. There are four levels of defense mechanisms ranging from pathological to mature. The most common defense mechanisms include suppression, isolation, displacement, fantasy, and denial. Loss of Innocence The process of becoming an adult can be a terrifying experience due to the sheer immensity of change both in life experiences and responsibilities, as well as the shift from the simplicity of childhood to the complexity of adulthood. Superficiality and Pretension Often, most people are superficial, unable to project personality below the surface. These people are shallow, materialistic and often display false emotions that are over exaggerated for effect. People often pretend to be something they are not in order to fit in, because they have no real personality of their own, or because they are insecure about their own identity. Relationships and Sexual Intimacy Relationships and intimacy offer an escape from isolation, but are also frightening due to their potential to create pain and heartbreak. Experiencing sexual intimacy for the first time can be both exciting and terrifying for an adolescent. Deception and Self Deception Often, we deceive others about who we really are in order to come off as someone we perceive to be more ‘attractive’. Just the same, we can often deceive ourselves into believing we are something we are not just as often.

Symbols —The “Catcher in the Rye” The title of the novel; it appears in Ch. 16 as a song and then in Ch. 22 as Holden’s daydream/fantasy. This symbol encapsulates all of Holden’s dreams and desires. See if you can interpret/analyze it correctly. —Holden’s red hunting hat A hat that is bright red and draws much attention. What does it say about Holden that he wears this hat all the time? Why would he choose such a hat and what does it say about his personality? -Allie’s Baseball Glove Baseball itself is associated with certain images and concepts. Additionally, Holden’s relationship with his brother Allie is represented by the glove. Look for this symbol and try to interpret it. -The Museum of Natural History History and time are frozen for display in this museum. Why would such a place be so important to Holden and what does this say about his personality, his desires, and the way he views the world. -The Ducks in Central Park Holden seems obsessed with the fact that the ducks adapt to a harsh environment, and disappear in winter but return in spring. Why would such a concept fascinate him? This is yet another view into his complex personality. In addition, Holden observes that the pond is only partly frozen. Try to interpret what the pond represents symbolically.

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