The Catcher in the Rye

Dewey (modern and contemporary American literature, U. of Pittsburgh) compiles 21 essays on J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye. Contributed by writers and scholars of literature, English, and related areas from the US, Canada, and Japan, the classic and contemporary essays approach the novel from the perspective of the reader and address the emotional impact of Holden Caulfield's voice; its literary ancestors; its impact on the perception of adolescence in novels, films, music, and television; and relationship between the novel and its cultural community. They also examine its history, including its banning in postwar America; its critique of capitalism; its themes of discontent in adolescence and Christian compassion; gender studies, social psychology, and media studies' views; the symbolic implications of the death of Holden's younger brother; its ending and Holden's epiphany; and other aspects. Annotation 穢2011 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)