Guide Note

The Catcher in the Rye is the only full-length novel by writer J.D. Salinger. First published in 1951, the book has become a classic of American literature and is one of the most studied, debated and controversial books in the English language.¹

Fast Facts

1. Author: J.D. Salinger
2. Genre: Novel
3. Publication Date: July 16, 1951
4. Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
5. Pages: 277
6. ISBN 0-316-76953-3
7. Mark David Chapman was carrying the book during his assassination of John Lennon²
8. Found in the hotel room of John Hinckley Jr. after his failed attempt at assassinating president Ronald Reagan³

The novel follows 48 hours in the life of its narrator Holden Caulfield and is told as a flashback by Holden who is currently in a mental institute. After being expelled from his Prep School, 16 year old Caulfield decides to return to New York City and stay in a hotel. After a number of unsatisfying encounters with various people (including a prostitute, a bouncer and an old girlfriend), Holden meets with his sister Pheobe in order to explain that he is running away. While the cause of his "Illness" is never disclosed, the novel ends with Holden optimistically talking about the new school that he will be attending the next year.

Since its original publication, the book has invoked strong feelings from readers and critics alike. Proponents of the book have said that it accurately reflects the conflicted feelings and emotions of teenagers in the modern world,⁴ while critics have challenged the book on the basis of its vulgar language,⁵ its mature themes and its supposed encouragement of rebellion and defiance of authority.⁶ Regardless of the controversy, the book is still one of the most commonly assigned books in American high schools.⁷

The character is perceived by many critics as being an innocent adrift in a troubled world, while others have blamed the character for inspiring discord in adolescents.⁶ For that reason, The Catcher in the Rye has been one of the most banned books in American schools.⁸