The Catcher In The Rye By J. D. Salinger

778 Words2 Pages

J.D Salinger is the author of the classic, The Catcher in the Rye. His books reached millions of people, specifically The Catcher in the Rye. The book has sold more than one hundred twenty million copies. Salinger’s personal background, the theme, and popularity of his stories have all led him to being the author of an American classic. He was a very secluded person and kept many things to himself as it is said that the publishing life is a violation of privacy and he would not return any efforts to contact him by fans. It was clear that he did not enjoy the fame, he stated through the voice of Holden Caulfield in his book, “I’d have to rule that nobody could do anything phony when they visited me”.
As stated in the biography of J.D. Salinger from famousauthors.org, Salinger was born on January first, nineteen ninety nine. He was a son to Sol Salinger and Miriam, the youngest of all the children. He struggled in education; he failed at many schools and was later sent to Valley Forge Military Academy. During his time there, he began to organize his life and began writing. After attending Valley Forge, Salinger moved onto colleges. He enrolled at Ursinus College as well as New York University. He was twenty one when he published his first story; however his writing was put on hold when he left to serve in the Army during World War II. During, as well as, after the war his writing brought about the popular Holden Caulfield. The war ended and Salinger was the victim of a nervous breakdown and was hospitalized. Later, he married his first of three brides. Sylvia was the first, they divorced after 8 months. Then in nineteen fifty five, Salinger married Claire Douglas. With her, Salinger had two kids but the marriage only last just up...

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...amples explaining the popularity and influence that The Catcher in the Rye has had on the human population. Through these factors, it is very clear that The Catcher in the Rye is an American classic and indeed a significant piece of American literature.
Salinger and his writings have truly made an impact on the readers of his book. The influences of the theme and his background have made this book into an American classic. The journey he went on as a child influenced his story that he wrote through the eyes of Holden Caulfield. The themes of rebellion and self-containment are portrayed through the story, leaving kids idolizing Holden for his attitude as well as teaching them lessons at the end of the story. Lastly, the popularity and excitement for the book makes it an obvious choice to be labeled as an American classic and a significant piece of American literature

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