The Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger A Review

The Catcher in the Rye Introduction The Catcher in the Rye, a novel by J. D. Salinger, was first published in 1951. The novel deals with the themes of identity, belonging, connection, and alienation. The protagonist, Holden Caulfield, is a cynical sixteen year-old with prematurely gray hair that makes him appear older than his age. Holden is caught at the awkward age between adolescence and adulthood as he searches for his identity. Set in the 1940s, the story begins with Holden recovering from a breakdown stemming from his expulsion from Pencey Prep School. He has already flunked out of three other schools. This man/child is torn between his desire to take on the trappings of adulthood and his desire to preserves the innocence of childhood. The title is a reference to the way Holden sees the world and his desire to preserve its purity. The scene in which the author reveals the source of the books title takes place in Chapter 22. Holden has left school and snuck back into his parents Manhattan apartment. He is speaking with his ten year old sister Phoebe in his older brothers bedroom. Phoebe is six years Holdens junior, yet in many aspects has a superior understanding of him and the ways of the world. She is distraught that Holden has been expelled from another school, Daddys going to kill you. Hes going to kill you (224). As way of explanation for his latest failure Holden tells his sister, It was one of the worst schools I ever went to. It was full ofShow MoreRelated Catcher in the Rye Essay: The Importance of Language1464 Words   |  6 PagesThe Importance of Language in The Catcher in the Rye   Ã‚  Ã‚  Ã‚   J.D. Salingers The Catcher in the Rye has captured the spirit of adolescence, dramatizing Holden Caulfields vulgar language and melodramatic reactions. Written as the autobiographical account of a fictional teenage prep school student named Holden Caulfield, The Catcher in the Rye deals with material that is socially scandalous for the time (Gwynn, 1958). As an emotional, intelligent, and sensitive young man, Holden puts his innerRead MoreThe Importance of Censoring in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger1145 Words   |  5 PagesJ.D. Salinger was an American author well known for his best seller The Catcher in the Rye, a considerably influential novel that portrayed the feelings of alienation that were experienced by adolescents in North America after World War II (J.D. Salinger Biography). Salinger’s work appeared in many magazines, including a series of short stories which inspired many new authors (J.D. Salinger Biography). His inspiration for Pencey Prep boarding school in The Catcher in the Rye stemmed from hisRead MoreCatcher in the Rye Abstract Essay1364 Words   |  6 PagesOctober 2012 Novel Abstract: Catcher in the Rye Novel Title and Author: Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger Author’s Background: J.D. Salinger was born on January 1, 1919, in New York City, New York. Jerome David Salinger was born to Sol Salinger and his wife Miriam (J.D. Salinger). Though he was a bright young man, when he attended McBurney School, he ended up flunking out and was soon after sent to Valley Forge Military Academy in Wayne, Pennsylvania (J.D. Salinger). After graduating Valley ForgeRead MoreEtymology and Symbolism of Characters Names in Catcher in the Rye1967 Words   |  8 PagesNames in Catcher in the Rye      Ã‚  Ã‚   Catcher in the Ryes pallid cover, adorned only with seven multicolored bands in its upper-left corner, is not what one would call eye-catching. Its reverse side lacks criticisms or reviews of any sort; in fact, it is bare of anything except a copyright date. Human beings are advised not to judge books by their covers, rather that they should look further than the obvious and try to apprehend the implied meaning. The world has peered past Catcher in theRead MoreHow Can Adversity be Advantageous Essay569 Words   |  3 Pageshis skills at soccer. It shows that adversity can affect a people, but it cannot deeply affect a culture, a way of life. If nothing it strengthens it because of history and the importance of family and friends in times of adversity. Catcher in the Rye by JD Salinger, introduces us to Holden Caulfield is one of my favorite characters because of his immaturity and confusion, or lack of understanding of his own mind. He tends to change opinion, say strong remarks, and act very childish throughout theRead MoreCatcher in the Rye4413 Words   |  18 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye â€Å"Is The Catcher in the Rye, as a work of literature still relevant for today’s youth?† Name: Sara Sigurdson Course: English A1 Supervisor: Mr. Peter Steadman Word count: 3851 Candidate number: 00136022 Table of Contents Content Page Number Abstract 3 Introduction 4 The Actual Catcher in the Rye 4 The Sexual Matter 5 The Caulfield Family 6 Narrator and Protagonist 8 Role Model 9 Mr. Antolini 10 Targeted Audience 10 Guidance 12