Mrs. Lehman
AP English, 1A
1 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 Valley Forge, a couple years later, Salinger finally found the right school, Columbia University, where he met Whit Burnett, who helped him take off in his writing career (J.D. Salinger). After returning to New York, his writings were published in the New Yorker magazine and other publishers. He continued to push forward with his writing career and finally, in 1951, the Catcher in the Rye was published and instantly went worldwide after World War II (American Literature). Though some critics were harsh in their reviews on the novel, it still grew more successful and vaulted Salinger into literary fame. The fame did not suit Salinger, so he remained secluded from the public. His only other published work while he was still alive was a short story called the “Hapworth.” He later died on January 27, 2010, in Cornish (J.D. Salinger).
Impact of Work: Salinger’s work has had an impact on many Americans of the 20th century and today. Their are many opinions on his novel and whether or not it is considered conventional and well-written. Many agree that it is not a well-written novel, while some argue that it is very well-written and easy to connect with because his character, Holden Caulfield, points out much of the negative truth about society. His book was also considered to negatively impact society due to the fact that the man who shot John Lennon considered him to be “phony,” yet it was controversial. There was and still is an
Bibliography: "American literature." American History. ABC-CLIO, 2012. Web. 30 Sept. 2012. Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 1951. Print.