The catcher in the Rye

1. The catcher in the Rye Intro notes

2. J.D. Salinger • Published novel in 1951 • Well known author and recluse • Wanted to be left alone • Novel never was, and never will be, adapted into a movie

3. Plot • Set in the 1950s • Narrator—holden Caulfield • Telling the story after the fact—metanarrative • What is his deal? • Why is he telling his story? • Where is he? • No specific location

4. characters • Holden • High school junior • 17 years old • Expelled from pencey prep • Cynical • Ackley • Neighbor • Bad complexion and poor hygiene • Typical annoying neighbor • Doesn’t understand context

5. characters • Stradlater • Roommate • Good looking, popular • Together • Jane • Female friend • Very important to holden • Never actually appears in the novel • Sally • Holden’s sometimes girlfriend

6. family • Phoebe • Ten year old sister • Opposite of holden in almost every way • Red hair • D.B. • Older brother • Successful writer who lives in Hollywood • Admired by holden—sort of • Allie • Younger brother • Died of leukemia three years before the novel

7. themes • Alienation • Loneliness • Phoniness of adults • bildungsroman

8. symbols • Title of the novel • Red hunting hat • History museum • Ducks in central park