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"The Catcher in the Rye" is a seminal coming-of-age novel by J.D. Salinger, first published in 1951. Narrated by the iconic character Holden Caulfield, the story unfolds in 1940s-1950s New York City, capturing Holden's internal struggle between longing for connection and rejecting the 'phoniness' of adulthood. Through vibrant characters like Phoebe and D.B. Caulfield, Salinger explores themes of alienation, the pain of growing up, and the complexities of relationships. This overview unpacks the major conflicts, motifs, and symbols that define this enduring literary work.
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The Catcher in the Rye By: J. D. Salinger
About the Author - J. D. Salinger • January 1, 1919 – January 27, 2010 • Grew up in Manhattan, NY • Flunked out of several private schools before graduating from Valley Forge Military Academy • Began writing as a high school student • Fiction for his high school’s Literary Magazine • 1939: Began publishing short stories in magazines, while attending Columbia University • Fought in World War II
About the Author - J. D. Salinger • 1951: published “The Catcher in The Rye” • After publishing “The Catcher in Rye,” Salinger focused on writing short stories • 1955: married Claire Douglas • Until he died, Salinger was considered a recluse and lived a secluded life in the countryside of New Hampshire to avoid media attention
Overview • Coming-of-age novel • 1940’s – 1950’s • The book is narrated by Holden Caulfield, in the first person, describing his experiences in New York City after getting kicked out of prep school. • Holden’s tone is a combination of cynicism, bitterness, disgust, and nostalgic longing. • The Major Conflict: Holden is experiencing a an internal conflict between wanting to connect to other people on an adult level, and wanting to reject the adult world as “phony” and remain a child.
Main Characters • Holden Caulfield – main character • Phoebe Caulfield – younger sister • D. B. Caulfield – older brother • Allie Caulfield – younger brother • Ackley & Stradlater – boys at Pencey Prep School • Jane Gallagher – a girl Holden likes a lot • Sally Hayes – a girl Holden used to date • Mr. Antolini – former English teacher
Themes & Motifs • Themes: *fundamental ideas explored in the book • Alienation as a form of self-protection • The painfulness of growing up • The phoniness of the adult world • Motifs: *recurring literary devices that help explore the themes • Loneliness • Relationships/intimacy/sexuality • Lying and deception
Symbols *Objects or characters used to represent abstract ideas/concepts • The “Catcher in the Rye” • Red Hunting Hat • The Museum of Natural History • The Ducks in the Central Park Lagoon