The Catcher in the Rye: Adolescent alienation and an unheard cry for help

Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. 285 p. New York: Little, Brown and Company, Inc. 1951.

This book has frequently been banned, presumably for the marked cynicism and moral degeneration of its main character, Holden Caulfield. Know what I think lies beneath the challenges? Post-World War II America didn’t want to see what is reflected in Holden Caulfield’s bloodshot eyes: affluence is no guarantee of happiness. The American Dream is a myth. This story is about a teenager in an incredible amount of pain, and no one is listening.

Holden Caulfield, a boarding school junior, is the story’s prickly, provocative narrator. Wherever he goes, Holden baits others into rejecting or outright assaulting him. This might explain why he has been expelled from previous prep schools, and is about to be kicked out of Pency Prep. What it doesn’t answer is why an obviously bright, observant young man is unraveling. While a painfully self-deprecating Holden declares, “I’m the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life,” he can’t seem to identify the roots of his own misery.

When Holden abruptly leaves Pency, and shambles around New York for a few days, he has no sense of self-preservation. Readers are subjected to his bleary-eyed assessment of current events and boozy flashbacks of past failures. Running low on money, hung-over, hungry, and psychotic from lack of sleep, Holden is in desperate need of acknowledgment – and love. As it turns out, these are the very things his wealthy parents don’t seem to possess.

The one person who Holden can confide in – and be unconditionally accepted by – is his little sister, Phoebe. When he sneaks into his parents’ home to see Phoebe, she scolds him for getting into trouble again, then, gives him her life savings, and wants to go away with him. Phoebe’s stubborn intent to stand by Holden prevents him from running away.

The language used in The Catcher in the Rye is simultaneously mature and immature. The English is mostly standard, but interspersed with Holden’s liberal use of 1940’s slang and curse words. He is a young man on the verge of a psychological breakdown, and everything he says feels authentic and fully meant. The text may not be appropriate for younger readers. The book’s themes of isolation, alienation, depression and self-destructiveness are also complex for those below the high school grades. Older students will be able to empathize with Holden, and infer and write about his motivations. This book might be studied outside of English classes, in Psychology or Sociology courses.

Scholastic provides a grade level equivalence of 8.1, a Lexile measure of 790L, and an interest level of grades 9-12. This novel was initially published for the adult market. It has become a young adult classic, and is best suited to high school students.

Awards for Catcher in the Rye: Time Magazine Top 100 English Language Novels since 1923. Modern Library 100 Best English Language Novels of the 20th Century. #15 on the BBC’s Reading List, Book of the Month Club selection 1951

Related Works by J.D. Salinger: Franny and Zooey, Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters

Links to Supporting Digital Content:

Teenage Depression, an overview: http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/mental_health/depression.html

“Who Banned Catcher in the Rye and Why?” http://www.teenink.com/nonfiction/academic/article/512353/Who-Banned-Catcher-in-the-Rye-and-Why/

JD Salinger biography: http://www.biography.com/people/jd-salinger-9470070

• Posted in: Pleasure Reading ♦ Realistic fiction ♦ YA Fiction
• Tagged: 1940s, alienation, banned book, boarding school, dorm life, family, high school, identity, isolation, New York, self-destructiveness, siblings, The Great Depression