Catcher in the Rye J D Salinger About
Catcher in the Rye J. D. Salinger
About the Author: J. D. Salinger • Born in New York, 1919 – present. That’s 91 years old! • Served during WWII • Wrote several books about young people including Franny & Zoey and Catcher
About the Author Cont… • Notorious recluse– someone who chooses to live alone and doesn’t like seeing or talking to other people • Has not granted an interview since 1980 • Has not published anything since 1965
Catcher in the Rye – The Book • Published in 1951 • Sold over 65 million copies worldwide – That’s more than the Dictionary! • Has been translated into many different languages
The Controversy • Has been banned due to vulgar language and sex • One of the most frequently taught and most widely censored books in US high schools • Mark David Chapman (murdered John Lennon in 1980) and John Hinckley Jr. (attempted to assassinate Pres. Reagan 1981) both had the book in their pocket when they were arrested
The Plot • The book tells the story of a teenager expelled from his high school and his 48 hour journey across NYC in the early 50 s. • This book deals with school, alcohol, sex, teachers, music, family, hypocrisy, and being a teenager • Narrated in a “stream of consciousness” style
Holden Caulfield • Holden is the protagonist in the story • He is 16 years old • He thinks many people are “phonies” • He has been kicked out of three Prep Schools
Setting • New York City • Early 1950 s
The 1950 s • Color TV is introduced • Harry S. Truman is President • Elvis gyrates on the Ed Sullivan Show
The 1950 s Cont… • Disneyland Opens • James Dean (actor) Dies in car accident
The 1950 s Cont… • Civil Rights movement begins • Segregation ruled illegal in US
Prices in the 50 s • • Car: $1, 400 Gasoline: 21 cents/gal House: $12, 500 Bread: 10 cents/loaf Milk: 70 cents/gal Postage Stamp: 3 cents Stock Market: 177 Average Annual Salary: $3, 150 • Minimum Wage: 40 cents per hour
The Music in Catcher in the Rye • Holden listens to Jazz music • In the 50 s & 60 s, Jazz was popular with teens, like Rock or Rap today • Teens went to clubs to listen to Jazz music
Symbols – Red Hunting Hat
Symbols – Baseball Mitt
Symbol – Ducks in the Pond
Holden’s Landmarks: Pencey Prep
Holden’s Landmarks: Seton Hall – Wicker Bar Rockefeller Center
Holden’s Landmarks: Radio City Hall Grand Central Station
Holden’s Landmarks: Museum of Natural History Central Park - Lagoon
Holden’s Landmarks: Carousel
Summary: Based on this information, what predictions can you make about Holden and his journey in New York?
- Slides: 22
