Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger
About the Author: J.D. Salinger Born in New York, 1919 – present. That’s 91 years old! Served during WWII Wrote several books about young people including Franny & Zoey and Catcher
About the Author Cont… Notorious recluse- – someone who chooses to live alone and doesn’t like seeing or talking to other people Has not granted an interview since 1980 Has not published anything since 1965
Catcher in the Rye – The Book Published in 1951 Sold over 65 million copies worldwide – That’s more than the Dictionary! Has been translated into many different languages
The Controversy Has been banned due to vulgar language and sex One of the most frequently taught and most widely censored books in US high schools Mark David Chapman (murdered John Lennon in 1980) and John Hinckley Jr. (attempted to assassinate Pres. Reagan 1981) both had the book in their pocket when they were arrested
The Plot The book tells the story of a teenager expelled from his high school and his 48 hour journey across NYC in the early 50s. This book deals with school, alcohol, sex, teachers, music, family, hypocrisy, and being a teenager Narrated in a “stream of consciousness” style
Holden Caulfield Holden is the protagonist in the story He is 16 years old He thinks many people are “phonies” He has been kicked out of three Prep Schools
Setting New York City Early 1950s
The 1950s Color TV is introduced Harry S. Truman is President Elvis gyrates on the Ed Sullivan Show
The 1950s Cont… Disneyland Opens James Dean (actor) Dies in car accident
The 1950s Cont… Civil Rights movement begins Segregation ruled illegal in US
Prices in the 50s Car: $1,400 Gasoline: 21 cents/gal House: $12,500 Bread: 10 cents/loaf Milk: 70 cents/gal Postage Stamp: 3 cents Stock Market: 177 Average Annual Salary: $3,150 Minimum Wage: 40 cents per hour
The Music in Catcher in the Rye Holden listens to Jazz music In the 50s & 60s, Jazz was popular with teens, like Rock or Rap today Teens went to clubs to listen to Jazz music
Symbols – Red Hunting Hat
Symbols – Baseball Mitt
Symbol – Ducks in the Pond
Holden’s Landmarks: Pencey Prep
Holden’s Landmarks: Seton Hall – Wicker BarRockefeller Center
Holden’s Landmarks: Radio City HallGrand Central Station
Holden’s Landmarks: Museum of Natural HistoryCentral Park - Lagoon
Holden’s Landmarks: Carousel
Summary: Based on this information, what predictions can you make about Holden and his journey in New York?