The Catcher in the Rye: An Analysis of English Literature Course

This essay provides an analysis of J.D. Salinger's novel, 'The Catcher in the Rye.' It explores the historical context of the novel, which is set in post-World War II America, a time of economic prosperity and social change. The essay delves into the major themes of the book, including disillusionment, loneliness, and alienation, as experienced by the protagonist, Holden Caulfield. It also discusses the author, J.D. Salinger, and how his life experiences influenced the novel. The analysis examines the impact of the book's context on its themes and characters, as well as its controversial language and themes. The essay concludes by emphasizing the prevalence of loneliness and alienation as key themes in the novel and how Holden's character embodies these feelings as he struggles to connect with others and navigate the world around him.

Running head: ENGLISH LITERATURE 1
English Literature
Name
Institution

ENGLISH LITERATURE 2
Title
The Catcher in the Rye
Introduction
The book, The Catcher in the Rye was witted by Jerome David Salinger. It was published
back in the year 1951. It was published during economic progression and social satisfaction
in America and other parts of the World. During this moment there was no voice of protest
because the blacks, women and the young generation had very little authority to protest. This
literature book protested against the society values that were frequently ridiculed. Holden
Caulfield, a character in this literature fought to support his generation but he realised that he
could not make any meaningful change he less power to do so. He had no capability to even
connect with other people. Some of the major issues that were discussed in the book were
disillusionment, the solitary crowd and the silent generation.
Historical background of the book, about the author, etc.
The historical background of the book The Catcher in the Rye states that, the events
covered in this book took place during the post-world war ii in America. There was great
depression all over the nations and the people that suffered mot were the adults. In paradox,
the same war that resulted to the death of many people is the instrument that was used to
promote the nation into an era of unrestrained prosperity. The people wanted to let go of the
past and celebrate the new beginning and in this they chose to be conventional and money-
oriented. At this time none was interested to hear of Holden’s of the world who did things
contrarily. People just desired to apt with everyone else but Holden just like Salinger could
not take the same direction. During the period that this novel was written there was also rise
in economic standards because people just came from the war.

ENGLISH LITERATURE 3
About the Author.
Jerome David Salinger was born in 1919 in the city of New York. He came from a
wealthy background. They migrated from their neighbourhood to the Valley Forge Military
Academy in 1934. He graduated and later attendee various colleges, Columbia University
included. During his time in Columbia, he used to attend a creative writing class which he
excelled. From there he developed the interest in writing that he had worked for since his
teenage years. It was therefore in 1940 that he published his first short story. He went ahead
and wrote more stories which he published in various magazines. In 1951 he published full
length novel The Catcher in the Rye that pushed him to the nation-wide stage.
Discussion on how the context of the book affected it
The historical context of the book affected it this manner. Holden was a teenager who
faced psychological challenges and was also rebellious. He went to the New York City upon
his expulsion at his school at the age of 16. On his journey he abused drugs that resulted to
his mental breakdown. He was ignorant and angry following what had taken place. This story
retold Salinger’s life. What is most provocative is Holden’s escapade. He had a strange way
of communicating that is not amended in any way. The book contains blaspheme word that
are followed by dissolute statements about counterfeits. The sentences that do not have a cuss
word are very rare. This made the book to be banned and challenged a number of times, just
for its vulgarity.
Conclusion
In conclusion, loneliness and alienation are two major themes in the novel above. The
character Holden used alienation to secure him from becoming attached emotionally to the

ENGLISH LITERATURE 4
other individuals. It is realised that death played the major roles in his life of loneliness and
isolation. Loneliness recurred mostly in the novel and that of Holden was the manifestation of
the alienation that he feels from the people around him. He looked for several ways to fit in
the world because he was taken away and separated from those who were around him. The
reason as to why Holden sabotaged any relationship that he had begun to form was the fact
that he was not ready to open up to anyone. This is explained in page 61 of the novel.