Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, Salinger was drafted into the army, serving from 1942-'44. His short military career saw him land at Utah Beach in France during the Normandy Invasion and be a part of the action at the Battle of the Bulge. Salinger continued to write, assembling chapters for a new novel whose main character was a deeply unsatisfied young man named Holden Caulfield. Salinger did not escape the war without some trauma, and when it ended he was hospitalized after suffering a nervous breakdown
2. What challenges did Salinger have in publishing the book?
The book earned its share of positive reviews, but some critics weren't so kind. A few saw the main character of Caulfield and his quest for something pure in an otherwise "phony" world as promoting immoral views. The book is filled with profanity and obscenity. Holden swears steadily throughout the book. The most reoccurring curse …show more content…
What important characters, symbols, settings, and topics/ideas will you want to track as you read?
The Catcher of the Rye was written in the 1950s and character was introduced as immature in the beginning then encounters a challenge or problem. In the middle of the story character struggles to overcome challenge or problem and then makes tough choices or overcomes difficult obstacle, and by the end of the story, character is seen as different or changed. Holden’s, the main character of the story, Hunting Hat, Allie’s Baseball Hat, Carousel, and Ducks are symbols to track.
5. Why has this novel been banned by so many?
When it came out in 1951, things like sex weren't publicly talked about and displayed like they are today. The language used in the book was also another big reason the book was banned in schools. Also, Holden's obvious rebellion to the adult world also worried some people, and there was concern that it would inspire teens to rebel. But the main reason it was banned was because of the language and sexual themes in the