Jerome David Salinger: A Deeper Insight in his Novel
Jerome David Salinger: A Deeper Insight
Jerome David (J.D.) Salinger is arguably one of the most talented American authors still living. Salinger has introduced the twentieth century to an entirely unique and individual writing style. He has written many influential novels such as Franny and Zooey, Nine Stories, and The Catcher in the Rye. These texts can be interpreted as sharp social criticisms of the post war society. Salinger has an extensive imagination, which he beautifully turns into literature that any reader can enjoy. He is an artist who turns his personal visions and wishes into realities on paper. Although Salinger in present life is very reclusive and shy his writing demonstrates a side of him many fail to see. Most people are able to identify with his characters, because the emotions and experiences are so universal that we all can grasp the concept he has thrown at us through fictitious characters. Two novels that clearly demonstrate Salinger’s controversial writing style are Franny and Zooey and The Catcher In The Rye. These works are appreciated and misunderstood by many different types of people. For years Salinger’s writing has been praised and criticized because of his unique style and daring vocabulary. As to be expected it has left him open to criticism. This however, did not stop his only novel The Catcher in the Rye from becoming his most famous and successful piece of literature.
Catcher in the Rye is Salinger’s most well known work. The story of Holden Caulfield, a sixteen year old who is frequently kicked out of private schools to which his parents send him. Holden isn’t a troublemaker, but has trouble in his classes as far as schoolwork goes. His academic problems and poor work ethic in school hinders his progress and inevitably causes him to flee the school. “Some critics have argued that Holden’s character is erratic and unreliable.” (Lomazoff 88). Critics seem to tear apart his character more than anything, because as strong as Holden seems, the weaker they assume he is. Holden is currently enrolled at Pencey Prep, but shortly into the novel he discovers that he has just been expelled from his third private school. Afraid to tell his parents, Holden leaves Pencey and goes to New York to stay in a hotel with money that his grandmother gave him a week before...