Effects Of Murder In Catcher In The Rye

The Murderer In The Rye The novel, The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger has had a lasting influence to readers. However, it has also inspired some people to murder others. The Catcher in the Rye is not a violent book, so it is odd that people, who have related to book, became murderers from it. The two most notable people who have murdered or attempted to murder people because of their obsession to the novel are Mark David Chapman and John Hinckley, but there are even more. Mark David Chapman had a troubled home life. He grew up in an abusive home and was often bullied at school. This later prompted him to start using drugs and drinking alcohol by the time he was fourteen years old. He even went as far as to run away from home. He lived

Chapman believed himself to be a living Holden Caulfield and killed Lennon because of a religion statement, whereas Hinckley wanted to impress Jodie Foster by killing the President. It is clear though that they both do have obsessive personalities most likely due to their unstable lives. Chapman’s childhood was not good at all so it is understandable why he would become mentally unstable, but Hinckley allegedly had a good upbringing and “was a bright student who played multiple sports in high school…” (Nashe). This evidence might be meaningful because it shows that no matter what family one may be born in, mental illness can affect anyone.

In conclusion, The Catcher in The Rye is quite the influential book that has become highly controversial. It could perhaps be a murder trigger to those suffering with obsessive mental disorders or other mental illnesses. For example, John Hinckley thought that after reading the book, assassinating Ronald Reagan would impress Jodie Foster. These men both thought that killing people was the right solution after reading the book. Even though their motives were different, killing seemed to be the best option for them in order to get what they