The Effect Of J. D. Salinger's Writings

The Effect of J.D Salinger’s Writings Jerome David Salinger, born on January 1, 1919, was an American short story writer and novelist. Salinger is considered one of the most influential 20th century writer’s despite having a very shallow body of work. Early in his career, Salinger wrote many short stories that made it into big publications such as Story Magazine, Collier’s, and even The Saturday Evening Post. Some of these short stories, A Perfect Day for a Bananafish and Uncle Wiggly in Connecticut, later were included in Salinger’s short story collection titled Nine Stories in 1953. Nine Stories was one of four books that Salinger published, coming before Franny and Zooey in 1961 and Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenters in 1963. Although
Why are teachers assigning this book even with “its implicit indictment of the American educational system” (Aubry 1)? The reason for this is it’s “extraordinary capacity to appeal to those whom it risks insulting” (Aubry 1). This book is appealing to those reading it because of a reader’s ability to relate to the protagonist Holden Caulfield. Caulfield is a teenager who is resisting to grow up and assume the responsibilities that come with being an adult. He shows us that he has alienated himself from the norms of society. As you read this book, it reminds yourself of your teenage years and how growing up was difficult. Holden is a perfect example of what life is like as a teenager, he is a bright person who is lost and is trying to find his place in the world. As you read more and more, this novel brings you to the conclusion that in a world that is “awash with materialism, shallowness, and insecurity” (Aubry 1) and yet, like Holden, you consider yourself to be different and not a
Interestingly enough, it is believed that The Catcher in the Rye has had great influences on several murders. The two most known occurrences of this theory were John Hickley Jr., who attempted an assassination of President Ronald Reagan, and Mark David Chapman, who killed John Lennon. Both these men were obsessed with the novel and actually believed that they were the real life Holden Caulfield. These two strange instances just add to the already high amount of controversy surrounding this novel. Could The Catcher in the Rye really be the reasoning for young American’s violent