1. The Catcher In The Rye By J.D. Salinger
Social, Historical and Cultural Context

2. Social, Historical and Cultural Context
Social Context
The society in which the novel takes place and how it influenced the characters’ lives.
Historical Context
The historical events which took place during the time the novel is set and how they influenced the characters’ lives.

3. Social Context
The social context of the novel is that it is set around the times the novel was written: that is, the mid to late 1940’s.
The issues of identity Holden faces are issues that could have faced others contemplating the changes in society.
The enduring popularity of the novel suggests many teenagers can empathise with the character of Holden.

4. Social, Historical and Cultural Context
The major cultural movements which were happening at the time the novel is set and how they influenced the characters’ lives.

5. Cultural Context
America was becoming a much more materialistic society.
Americans believed (as many still do) that they lived in the greatest country in the world.
Many Americans were very conservative and mistrusted anything that was different, so there was a great pressure for everyone to conform and behave like everyone else.

6. Cultural Context
Many Americans mistrusted anyone who didn’t believe America was the greatest country
Before the 1950s teenagers had no distinct identity but generally obeyed their parents.
In the 1950s teenagers began to form their own individual identity and speak up about their views, even if they clashed with society or their parents. This was known as ‘the rise of the teenager’.

7. Historical Context:
The book is set just after the Second World War in America. It was published in serial form between 1945 and 1946.
The Cold War with Russia had begun and people were increasingly afraid of Communism.
The 1950s saw rebellious teens portrayed in films such as James Dean in ‘Rebel Without a Cause’ or Marlon Brando in ‘The Wild One.’ Rock ‘n’ roll also came into fashion.