Controversial American Literature, J.D. Salinger’s Catcher...

One of the most controversial American Literature books, J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye, went into full turbulence and had all the attention of critics everywhere during its release in 1951. Holden Caulfield, a New York City teenager in the 1950’s with manic-depression is the protagonist, is a protagonist unlike any other in coming-of-age novels. What most critics don’t realize is that his actions are exactly those of a depressed teenager would endure: being an immature compulsive liar who is manic-depressive. The over-saturation from technology into the 21st century does not separate the direct similarities of teens today and those twenty to thirty years ago. Today’s teenagers being â€Å"less complex,† â€Å"confused,† â€Å"anxiety ridden,† or any†¦show more content†¦Holden lives between adolescence and adulthood. His red hunting cap is symbolic of his identity - something most teenages struggle to find. As strange as his hunting cap being represented as his identity, as Holden is strange himself, it’s his comfort blanket, as if he’s truly â€Å"hunting† for his identity. Even today, teenagers struggle to find their â€Å"true selves† and even through their early adult years yet to discover their identity. There are still so many unanswered questions, some that teenagers don’t get answers to until a much older age. One obvious question for most is sex, a complex and complicated topic of discussion. Holden is a virgin throughout the book, interested, but spends most of the novel trying to lose it. He felt very strongly that this is something that should happen between those who felt deeply respected and cared by their partner but gets really upset when he sees that it can be a casual act. He doesn’t even get jealous that his roommate had gone on a date with someone he knew very well, but it makes him furious thinking a girl he knew was with a boy casually in such ways. He gets upset with himself when he is aroused by other women he didn’t respect or care for and is disturbed by acts he refers to as â€Å"crumby,† although admittedly said that it’s fun. He wants to hold on to his virginityShow MoreRelatedHow Salinger’s Holden Caulfield Relates to Teenagers Throughout Time1412 Words   |  6 PagesHow Salinger’s Holden Caulfield Relates to Teenagers Throu ghout Time In 1951, J.D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye was #1 on the New York Time’s bestseller list. Since then, the American Literary Association claims The Catcher in the Rye is a â€Å"favorite of censors.† The use of harsh language and profanity has been a long time debate of educators causing the novel to be pulled off bookshelves and propelling J.D. Salinger and his protagonist, Holden Caulfield, into reluctant fame. TheRead MoreJ.D. Salinger is Holden Caulfield1666 Words   |  7 Pagesof the more influential twentieth century American writers.† states Biography.com, â€Å"His landmark novel, Catcher in the Rye, set a new course for literature in post World War II America.† The Catcher in the Rye told a story of Holden Caulfield and his struggle to find something pure in a world filled with â€Å"phonies† (Biography). It is arguable that some of Holden’s experiences could be comparitively autobiographical to Salinger’s real life. Much like J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield is a reservedRead MoreSummary Of Salinger s The Catcher Rye And Franny And Zooey 1966 Words   |  8 PagesAmerican writer’s haven’t only impacted this country, but the world as a whole. Specifically, J.D. Salinger. He is a well-known author who has wrote many influential books such as The Catcher in the Rye and Franny and Zooey. Salinger’s childhood, education, significant people, major influences,and historical events have all had an impact on how he became the face of a literary movement as well as his contributions to the art of American Literature. Jerome David Salinger was born on January 1, 1919Read More Catcher in the Rye Essay: Holden - The Misfit Hero2101 Words   |  9 PagesThe Misfit Hero of The Catcher In The Rye      Ã‚     The Catcher In The Rye by J.D. Salinger was published in 1951. A recurring theme in J.D. Salingers stories concerns people who dont fit in with the traditional American Culture. Salingers misfit heroes, unlike the rest of society, are caught in the struggle between a superficial world and a conscious morality (1 Wildermuth). In his attempt to create a new and realistic portrayal of the times, Salinger first, effectively creates Holden CaulfieldRead MoreCatcher in the Rye Abstract Essay1364 Words   |  6 Pages1 October 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 ValleyRead MoreSimilarities Between Salinger And Harper Lee s The Rye 1987 Words   |  8 Pagesknew. It’s quite evident that in the novels Catcher in the Rye and To Kill a Mockingbird there are striking similarities between these novels and their respective authors’ own lives. It could be said, that these authors simply used their own experiences as inspiration to their novels. However, when taken into consideration that protagonists own conflicts are indistinguishable between their own author s personal struggles. It is feasible in stating that J.D. Salinger and Harper Lee based t heir novelRead MoreThe Story of J.D. Salinger2489 Words   |  10 PagesThe Story of J. D. Salinger J. D. Salinger became one of the most popular and known American authors in America today. Up to this day students from all over the country have read and purchased the novel â€Å"The Catcher in the Rye† which was a novel that was not so long ago controversial due to vulgar language, sexual references, and unacceptable behavior; parents were concerned that J. D. Salinger’s novel was going to influence their children. Salinger was one of many authors that stood out moreRead MoreThe Revolutionary Novel The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain1533 Words   |  6 Pagesis one of the most controversial pieces of American literature; loved by many but detested as well. It is arguably one of the most important bildungsroman, and one of the first modern pieces of literature. The novel addresses issues such as slavery, racism, religion, and social consciousness, in a way that no one could write about it, except Mark Twain. Not only does it address these issues, it a lso satirizes them, which is what makes Twain’s writing so unique. The literature style of writing isRead More Censorship in Public Schools Essay1625 Words   |  7 PagesEducation, Island Trees Union Free School District No. 26, which was the first school library censorship case to reach the Supreme Court (Jones 35). In March 1976, the Island Trees School Board in New York removed eleven books that they deemed quot;anti-American, anti-Christian, anti-Semitic, and just plain filthyquot; (Berger 59) from the high school library shelves. Among these books were Slaughterhouse Five by Kurt Vonnegut, A Hero Aint Nothing but a Sandwich by Alice Childress, and Soul on Ice by EldridgeRead MoreEssay about From Innocence to Adulthood in The Catcher in the Rye2367 Words   |  10 PagesFrom Innocence to Adulthood in The Catcher in the Rye      Ã‚   Adolescence is a time of existence in two worlds. One world having the desire to be in the adult world, which is filled with all the unknown wonders of the world. The other world is the world of childhood which is comfortable and protected from all the impurities in the world.   This sort of tug of war between the two worlds is not only mentally imposed on a being, but physically, socially, and morally as well