Catcher's Influence
What lasting influcence has The Catcher in the Rye had on American Culture?
The book has been connected to three major murders, including John Lennon. While at trial, he said he did it becuase Lennon was "phony" and talked about being non-materialistic even though he was. John Lennon's murder was a huge deal when it happened and still today for some people. What could he have accomplished for people if he hadn't been killed.
At one point "Catcher in the Rye" was the number one banned book in high schools because it was said to have a bad influence on the students. Now it is one of the books they recommend you read because of all the things he goes through and how he thinks of people.
What other examples of the "Holden" archetype have you seen in modern media?
What trends do you see in the types of people who are drawn to the novel? Why could this be?
Why do you think The Catcher in the Rye is so constantly referenced? Why does it hold such a central role in our culture? Is this role deserved?
It is referenced so much because it relates to growing up and deciding which way a person wants to take their life, and other normal teenage problems, like difficulties in school, fitting in, and phyiscal appearance. It also makes you think of how other teen think, not just yourself.
It hold a central role in society because many teens can still relate to it. We do not think the the role is deserved since many other books have been released more recently which try connecting to youth.
How are a presidential attempted assassination and the murder of John Lennon associated to Catcher in the Rye?
Why and how does Catcher in the Rye fit into the banned book classification?
Have perceptions of the novel changed through time? If so, how?
What were some of the reviews on Catcher when the novel first appeared in bookstores? Why did people feel this way about the novel?
Why do readers and critics feel so much animosity towards Salinger's characters?
Holden was a character hat was portrayed as "whiny" or "emotional."
J.D. Salinger was noted for his controversial character and plots, hough "Catcher in the Rye" is still the novel for which he recieved an abundance of backlash.
Quiz
1. What is the lasting influence on American culture from the book?
2. What are other examples of the "Holden" archetype?
3. What types of people are attracted to this book?
4. Why is Catcher in the Rye constantly referenced?
5. How are the attempted murders related to the book?
6. How does the book fit into the banned book category?
7. Have perceptions of the novel changed through time? How?
8. What were some reviews like when the book first came out?
9. Why are critics so harsh to Salinger's characters?
Resources
Texual evidence
Page 58: Holden lies to Ernie's mom about having a tumor, to get sympathy from her since he is lonely and seeks attention.
Page 81: Holden talks to the cab driver about the ducks and won't stop asking because he is looking for a friend to continue a conversation. He is also connecting himself to the ducks because they travel so often, and have to leave.
Page 112-113: He talks to the nuns, and his opinions on every person being phony changes for once, he finally meets people who seem genuine to him.