THE CATCHER IN THE RYEJ.D. Salinger

J.D. SALINGER Born in NYC in 1919 / Died in 2010 Came from a wealthy family / grew up in Manhattan Attended many colleges (including Columbia)

Did not graduate from any (took a creative writing class, which sparked his interest in writing)

Many items from Salinger’s early life appears in the novel Ex. moving around from prep schools, Columbia, and

a post war setting This novel created much controversy, and many were

offended due to the strong language and discussion regarding adolescent sex in an open way. In addition, many critics argue the novel is “not

serious literature” due to its casual and informal tone.

J.D. SALINGER However, many found this novel to be something quite

significant. Many argued it tapped into the emotions of readers in an

unprecedented way. As countercultural revolt began to grow during the 1950s and 1960s, this novel was frequently read as a tale of an individual’s alienation within a heartless world.

Caulfield stood for young people who felt the pressures to grow up and live their lives according to the rules, restricting their own personalities to conform to a bland society. Many readers saw Caulfield as a symbol of pure, unregulated

individuality in the face of cultural oppression.

Beginning in the 60’s, Salinger began to withdraw from society due to strong critic reviews regarding his short stories. This isolation made him even more famous because of the

connection to his characters.

SETTING FOR THE NOVEL 1949 Mid-December Saturday, Sunday, and a Monday (a week or so

before Christmas) Sat. (Ch. 1-8), Sun. (Ch. 9-20), and Mon. (Ch. 21-26)

Holden is 16 years old, and makes it clear that he is undergoing treatment in a mental institute for a nervous breakdown. The novel provides us a flashback of events that had

taken place a few months prior to his hospitalization.