Book Report Catcher In The Rye

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Book Report
` Catcher in the Rye is a novel written by J.D Salinger in 1951. The novel reflects some aspects of Salinger’s life as he goes through his issues and ordeals along with daily life. Not all scenarios in the novel relate to Salinger but there are some recognizable features which assist with concluding that the author is reflected in the story. The novel takes on a casual, informal tone which aroused readers of that time, claiming that his writing wasn’t “real literature.”
The Catcher in the Rye is set in time around the 1950’s with a main character by the name of Holden Caulfield. The story is from the perspective of the main character including his thoughts, ideas, feelings and point of view on events. The story opens with a ramble about how he doesn’t want to discuss the past and his deep nature (as in his birthplace and his parents). Following, he gives a description about his school, and from this, as the audience we can easily assume that Holden doesn’t necessarily like his school based off of the comments he made about it. He speaks of the school as it is so prissy and upscale. “…all you ever did at Pencey was play polo all the time.” Along with the comments he made about it being so high class, he also portrays the school as false advertising; with a motto of “"Since 1888 we have been molding boys into splendid, clear-thinking young men.", and comments like” Strictly for the birds. They don't do any damn more molding at Pencey than they do at any other school.” Explaining how the school conducts itself as any other institution would. This “prestigious” school in the first major setting which the story takes place. While at Pencey, Holden has failed four classes and has been kicked out but doesn’t have plans of ...

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...on top of an atomic bomb. Furthermore, Holden has more thoughts of death as he sits on the bench thinking he will catch pneumonia and die. Thinking this he starts to imagine his funeral, and then starts to think about his sibling’s funeral and how Holden missed it because he smashed the garage windows with his bare hands. Holden also shows multiple accountancies of not being able to decide on one thing, he often changes his mind from his original plan. After exposing his siblings’ death we can associate his siblings’ death to Holden’s depression and actions. Holden displays the following symptoms of clinical depression: Irritability, restlessness, loss of interest in activities or hobbies including sex, difficulty concentrating or making decisions, insomnia and thoughts of suicide.

Salinger, J. (1951). Catcher in the Rye. New York City: Little, Brown and Company.

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