The Catcher in the Rye

1. The Catcher in the Rye By JD Salinger

2. Salinger Appreciation Video • http://player.discoveryeducation.com/index.cfm?guidAssetId=3CFAD1DA-F40F-45EC-8B4C-74AE80BDFAF8&blnFromSearch=1&productcode=US • http://www.charlierose.com/view/interview/10841

3. Salinger History • Born 1919 in New York City • Died January, 2010 at age 91 • JD was kicked out of several high schools and ended up attending Valley Forge Military Academy—Many argue Valley Forge is the basis for Pencey Prep • While at Valley Forge, JD was a manager of the fencing team

4. College Years • Flunked out of New York University • Dropped out of Ursinus College • Salinger’s father took him to Europe to teach him about the family’s Import/Export business

5. Early Work • In 1941, Salinger published a story in The New Yorker, and the main character’s name is Holden Caulfield

6. World War II • Salinger was drafted into the military during World War II, and he saw action at the Battle of the Bulge in June of 1944

7. The Catcher in the Rye • In 1946, a novelette with Holden was optioned by a publisher, but Salinger refused to have it published • Finally, in 1951, The Catcher in the Rye was published

8. Post-Catcher • Following the publication of Catcher, Salinger spent his time hanging out in NYC as a celebrity in literary circles • In 1953, Salinger moved to Cornish, New Hampshire where he lived until his death

9. Other Works • Nine Stories, 1953 • Franny and Zooey, 1961 • “Raise High the Roof Beam, Carpenter”, 1963 • “Hapworth 16, 1924”, 1965

10. Catcher and Holden • Many critics argue that Holden Caulfield is the first character to capture the restless spirit of American youth • Catcher can be described as a coming-of-age novel • The age group of “teenager” was not defined until the 40s and 50s with the introduction of television and radio advertising targeting these youths. They now had their own fashion, music, and buying power

11. Controversy of Catcher • Catcher has been shrouded in controversy, and it is one of the most banned novels in the world. • Reasons: Offensive language, premarital sex, alcohol abuse, and prostitution

12. Controversy II • On December 8th, 1980, Mark David Chapman murdered John Lennon. Chapman had a copy of Catcher on him and claimed that all of the answers as to why he did it are in the book

13. Controversy III • In 1981, John Hinckley, Jr attempted to assassinate President Ronald Reagan. He wounded a handful of people, including the President. Hinckley was reported to be obsessed with Catcher (but more obsessed with the movie Taxi Driver)

14. Controversy IV • In 1989, Robert John Bardo was carrying the novel when he murdered Rebecca Schaeffer, an American actress best known for her role in the sitcom My Sister Sam • This case led to stalking laws in California

15. Catcher, Salinger and Holden Today • Catcher, Salinger, and Holden have been alluded to in many films including Finding Forrester, Field of Dreams, Conspiracy Theory, Six Degrees of Separation, Chasing Amy, Annie Hall, Daredevil, Pleasantville, Igby Goes Down, Chasing Holden and Good Girl. On television: Family Guy, Pretty Little Liars, South Park, and Criminal Minds. In music: Green Day, Offspring, Guns n’ Roses, Billy Joel and the Beastie Boys

16. Six Degrees on Catcher • http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0MqJTFTZSNM&safety_mode=true&persist_safety_mode=1 • (Run from 1:20-7:03)