1. The Catcher in the Rye & the assumptions of 1950s Ms. De La O
English 9

2. Bringing you America’s most popular loner teenager since 1951
The Catcher in the Rye
Bringing you America’s most popular loner teenager since 1951

3. The classic American family
Family roles were fairly traditional in Salinger’s day

4. And the kids?
Education
If the kids finished high school, college was a relatively rare option.
Education was much less of a priority than it is today.
If the kids finished high school, college was a relatively rare option.

5. What changed?
After World War II ended (1945), the old-school family structure and roles started to change a bit

6. Spend it!
In the late 1940s/early 50s, there were two consumer products that helped to create our modern concept of the teenager:

7. TVs/Hollywood Advertising split Americans into demographics
“Family time” changed
Different shows appealed to different ages
Attractive people

8. 1950s
2010s
Marilyn Monroe
Kim Kardashian
Drake
James Dean

9. 2010s
The Weeknd
1950s
Elvis Presley

10. Distractions of thr Modern Teenager
More accessible + more affordable
Detract from family
Sense of freedom
Images of “cool”
Emergence of fast food
Possibilities for drinking + sex

11. Key questions as we read Catcher:
What are the pros, cons and responsibilities of each age group?
What makes Holden so relatable as a narrator?
What are Holden’s priorities? Why?
What are the pros, cons and responsibilities of each age group?
Why does Holden have such a difficult time fitting in?
What makes Holden so relatable as a narrator?
Similarities/differences between Holden’s issues and the issues of today’s teens?
What are Holden’s priorities? Why?
How does J.D. Salinger use symbolism to help develop his themes over the course of the novel?