Catcher in the Rye

            JD salingers book, "Catcher in the rye" captures a few days in the life of Holden Caulfield.
             Holden's journey of self descovery begins when he is kicked out of Pencey College.
             Holden's feelings, the people he encounters and often his concerns are revealed to the reader through his thoughts.
             He adresses the reader as "you" and often repeats what he says, as if he is talking to you.
             It is an autobiography with a mix of comedy, satire, drama and adventure. Salinger begins with telling the reader that it is not going to be a typical autobiography.
             Holden is kicked out of Pencey a week before the end of school, a letter is sent to his parents - but he leaves earlier and spends three nights hanging around New York city.
             The book is set in the 1950s, around Christmas time when it is winter in America.
             Before Holden sneaks out of Pencey we are introduced to his classmates Stradlater and Ackley. Holden describes them using his favourite word.
             PHONY.
             From this and other criticism of upper class American society we can clearly see the authors attitudes to people.
             The novel is a series of anecdotes both from his past and present. Holden gets beaten up twice, goes on dates, stays up till early morning and sleeps in trashy hotels. .
             The novel is a description of a developing nervous breakdown - unexplained depression, impulsive spending and generally odd behaviour.
             The main themes of the book revolve around the troubles of adolesence. Not knowing what to do with life. Sexuality, drinking, socialsing - living up to your parents expectations.
             The theme of social class divisions in the 50's is also evident. .
             Holden is a sarcastic, nasty and at the same time completely likeable kind of guy. He doesn't care about his future. He often lies because he wants people to feel good about him.
             He is every teenager caught between the petty games of high school and the fear of adulthood.
             His attitudes and quick emotions are captured in the following passage on Page 115.