J. D. Salinger's The Catcher In The Rye

The Catcher in the Rye was written in the subjective point of view style. Holden being the protagonist follows the aithors same thought process. There are several contradicting ideas and simple things that happen that lead to stories and other experiences that Holden exaplains to us. Salinger uses words such as "phony" "flit" and "flitty" which are words that today are not commonly used, but were used in the past. Holden has a method of alienation used for self-protection. Holden throughout the book is excluded from groups and the whole world around him. Holden would wear his hunting hat to symbolize his uniqueness and would be independant because he wanted to prove that he was better than everyone else. When in reality he only isolates himself
because other people confuse and overwhelm him. An example of this would be when Holden asks Sally Hayes on a date which leads him to insult her and drive her away. The book it intentionally meant for High school students preferrably for juniors or seniors in the 11th and 12th grade based on the message the book sends to the reader. Salinger took a creative writing class that he had excelled in, which got him interested into writing and becoming an author. Many events that happen in the book regarding Holden actually happened in Salinger's life which makes it original. The book has a post world war two setting. It was published while the American industrial economy was booming. Before the book was published there was great controversy regarding the books release because of its profanity and use of slang by Salinger, It offended many people.