Name: ______Mrs. Hornung Honors English 10 January 7, 2019 The Catcher in the Rye Study Guide
Characteristics of Classics
When you hear the words classic literature, what comes to mind? Is it stuffy period pieces, where the list of characters is so long, you'd rather just not even get started? Does it have to be really old? What about a book that has been censored, or even banned? Sometimes, labeling a book as a classic can be misleading, because it means so many different things to different readers.
When books are labeled as classic literature, there are a number of factors that may contribute to this prestigious designation. Some of these factors may include, but are not limited to, cultural and historical significance, universality of thematic content, popularity, sales, and notoriety, among many others. Needless to say, not all classic works of literature are created equal. In this lesson, we will examine some of the factors that contribute to the classic status of J.D. Salinger's 1951 novel The Catcher in the Rye.
Historical and Social Significance
First of all, the narrative of Holden Caulfield's journey from Pencey Prep to New York City and his now- infamous three-day escapade offer twenty-first century readers a glimpse of life in the years immediately following World War II. The book itself became instantly contested with two somewhat conflicting reviews published in the New York Times on two consecutive days in 1951. First greeted with mixed sentiments, the novel ultimately received glowing reviews, which catapulted the novel to a level close to that of Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises just a little over 25 years earlier.
The Catcher in the Rye ultimately ended up being quite influential upon subsequent post-war literary and cultural movements, including Beat Generation writers like Jack Kerouac. Other cultural scholars have given the Holden Caulfield character credit for youth movements of the 1960s and 1970s, beginning with Hollywood's portrayal of rebellious youth in the mid to late 1950s.
Universal Themes and Content
Although much has changed since the era when Salinger first penned Holden's story, little has changed with regard to how teenagers view the world during adolescence - something often referred to as teen angst. For many readers, The Catcher in the Rye changes the way they identify with literature. Feeling a lack of agency, or control, in their own lives is a part of the adolescent struggle. It is not uncommon for young readers to identify with Holden Caulfield.
Besides teen angst, the story also deals with thematic material related to mental health, family issues, adolescent relationships, and school dynamics. While each of these could easily be a lesson on its own, the important take- away in this lesson is the fact that the use of universal themes and content contribute to the novel's classic status.
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Popularity vs. Timelessness
Classic status for literature can be a result of popularity or whether the work in question is able to stand the test of time. Unlike literature that we consider classics from the pre-industrial age, we have sales figures in the form of copies sold that help demonstrate the popularity of a work of literature. The Catcher in the Rye, for example, has sold over 65 million copies to date and continues to sell very well each year.
This does not mean, however, that every book that is popular or sells well is a classic - far from it. Although some books do become 'instant classics,' some time needs to pass after publication in order to allow for public discourse. The Catcher in the Rye may have achieved a certain level of notoriety right away, but it did take a while for its classic status to catch on among the literati, those people who consider themselves 'in the know' regarding what makes great literature.
Infamy and Notoriety
Sometimes people want to know what all the hype is about, which is why books like The Catcher in the Rye can attract so much attention. The book itself was one of the most censored books from the early 1960s to the early 1980s, which will pique the curiosity of readers who may have otherwise looked the other way. Each year, it is still featured among the lists of books during Banned Books Week, which usually takes place the last week of September.
Banning the book in many cases was not enough, and the popularity of Holden's story continued to grow. Additionally, the author's reclusive lifestyle and the fact that no new novels were published by him while he while still alive have added to the Salinger mystique, with many readers waiting for his works to be released posthumously, meaning happening after death. Additionally, the Library of Congress has listed it among the 'Books that Shaped America,' regardless of its profanity.
For some reason, there have been more than a few negative portrayals of the novel's influence, both in the news as well as in the movie theater. Mark David Chapman, the man who assassinated John Lennon, was reportedly obsessed with the novel. Additionally, in the 1997 film Conspiracy Theory, Mel Gibson played a character who was obsessed with the novel to the point of stashing them all over his home. There are other strange references to the novel and conspiracy theories, which might inspire people to read the novel for entirely different reasons.
Lesson Summary
Although some of these factors may not completely underscore the significance of such a well-known piece of literature, they can be combined to enhance our understanding of why a book like The Catcher in the Rye is considered classic literature.
Historically, the novel reflects a time that exerted great influence upon literary and social movements. Universal themes and content, such as teen angst, mental health, and family issues make the novel relatable to readers of today, which continue to keep the novel's sales figures high and point to a longevity of the work for years to come. The novel not only continues to be assigned by English teachers in high schools across the United States each year, but attracts readers from all walks of life into Holden's search for himself and something intangible along the way.
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“Why is The Catcher in the Rye a Classic?”
1. How did the New York Times respond to the publication of The Catcher in the Rye?
A. They published a scathing review, panning the novel. B. They published a critical review one day, and then published a highly complementary review the following day. C. They neglected to review it until several weeks after its publication. D. They published a glowing review of the novel, touting J.D. Salinger's genius as a writer.
2. Which list of books has The Catcher in the Rye been placed upon, along with other classics of American literature?
A. Books that Were Revised B. Books that Changed Lives C. Books that Damaged Children D. Books that Shaped America
3. Which American literary movement is The Catcher in the Rye credited with influencing?
A. The Beat Generation B. The Lost Generation C. The Transcendentalists D. The Modernists
4. Which of the following does NOT contribute to novels being viewed as classics?
A. Historical Significance B. Infamy and Notoriety C. Universal Themes D. Publishing Pedigree
5. What is one of the universal themes addressed in The Catcher in the Rye?
A. Fear B. Good vs. Evil C. Teen Angst D. Influence
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What Is a Bildungsroman?
A Bildungsroman is a story of education. It is similar to coming-of-age stories; however, the characters of the Bildungsroman are more specific. In order for a novel to be considered a true Bildungsroman, the main character has to experience some form of moral development. In essence, they have to grow up. The focus of the character's growth is the main thrust of the narrative.
Bildungsroman History
Bildungsroman is a German word. It was first introduced by Karl Morgenstern in the early 19th century and was later popularized by Wilhelm Dilthey in the early 20th century. The popularity of the genre first spread across the European continent and then the entire world. Today, the genre remains one of the most popular forms of storytelling. Some of the most classic stories in film, literature and stage center around the story of a young person going out into the world and learning harsh lessons on their way to finding maturity.
Characteristics
There are thousands of different Bildungsroman stories out there. So, although they share similar characteristics, they will not all be exactly the same. Here's a list of the genre's most prominent characteristics.
There is a search for meaning by the protagonist, who is usually foolish and inexperienced at the beginning of the narrative. The story typically centers on the maturation process of a single person. There is some kind of inciting incident that pushes the protagonist into their journey. It's usually something akin to a great emotional loss, like the death of a parent. The journey will not be easy. In fact, there will be many failures along the way. The hero will be tested, and he will fight tooth and nail to survive the unwavering rules and limits of society. There is usually an epiphany, or a flashing moment where the hero finally 'gets it.' This lucidity changes them as a person. They learn what it takes to be a grown up in the real world. The hero will eventually find his place in society by accepting its values and rules. The ending isn't necessarily about closure. We often do not know exactly what's going to happen to the hero. We do know that he has grown as a person from page one, and at the very least he is equipped with the maturity and knowledge to have a chance in life.
Classic Examples
Here are two of the most popular Bildungsroman novels of the 20th century.
Johnny Tremain by Esther Forbes (1943)
We meet 14-year-old Johnny Tremain in Boston around the time of the Revolutionary War. Johnny is cocky, insolent and temperamental. He is also a very skilled silversmith apprentice. He mocks and bullies the two other apprentices who he works with, neither of whom are as driven and proficient as Johnny.
Johnny lives with his boss, Mr. Lapham, following the death of his mother. Business could be better, and when John Hancock requests a silver basin, Johnny accepts the extremely difficult order, even though Mr. Lapham has his doubts.
Johnny has a hard time with the basin but soon figures out a way to make it perfect. Then one of the other apprentices disfigures Johnny's hand in an accident. He is no longer able to be a silversmith and loses his place in life. He doesn't know what to do, and the Lapham family can't just feed and clothe Johnny for nothing. Study.com
Eventually, Johnny makes his way to the Boston Observer, a Whig party newspaper, where he meets a young man named Rab. Rab likes Johnny and agrees to give him a job delivering newspapers if he can't find any other work.
After a while, Johnny decides that his only option is to deliver newspapers. He soon befriends members in the Boston political circle and becomes active in Whig politics. We see Johnny's transformation as his personal growth and maturity excels during this time. He goes from arrogant and selfish to helpful and mature. He also learns how to control his temper. At the end of the novel, a doctor tells Johnny that he can fix his hand with surgery to the point where he can fire a gun.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger (1951)
Perhaps the quintessential American Bildungsroman is the classic novel The Catcher in the Rye, which is told in the first person by our 16-year-old protagonist Holden Caulfield. At the beginning of the story, Holden is in a psychiatric facility because he suffered a nervous breakdown. He begins to tell us how he got there, and the setting of the novel moves to Pencey Prep. We find that Holden has failed out of school, and because he can't tell his parents about his expulsion, he decides to spend three days alone in New York City.
Holden is desperately trying to act like an adult throughout the novel. He attempts and fails to have sex with a prostitute, he attempts and fails to make a connection with a girl from school and he attempts and fails to get along by himself in New York. He gets robbed twice, makes a fool out of himself and gets beaten up. He's in that awkward adolescent period - he is not comfortable acting like a kid, but he's too immature to understand the rules of what he calls 'the phoniness' of the adult world.
We learn of Holden's great loss when he goes to visit his little sister Phoebe, whom Holden absolutely adores. His brother Allie died of leukemia, and it's clear that Holden does not know how to process his brother's death.
Towards the end of Holden's journey in New York, he's feeling alienated and alone. Then he takes Phoebe to the park to ride the merry-go-round. The young boy has his epiphany in that moment when he sees how joyous his sister is while she is riding the carousel.
He finally gets it. He is trying to grow up when he's not quite ready to be an adult. We don't know if Holden is going to make it, but we do know at the end of the story that he is mature enough to realize he needs help for his anxieties and depression. He also tells us that when he goes back to school that he is going to make an attempt to try harder.
Lesson Summary
A Bildungsroman is a literary genre similar to the coming-of-age genre. It is all about a young person overcoming trials and tribulations on the path to growing up. Not all Bildungsroman will be exactly the same, but they do share several key characteristics. There is typically a great emotional loss, an arduous journey, several bumps in the road and great maturity growth.
Learning Outcomes This lesson on the Bildungsroman will allow you to build the knowledge necessary to:
Describe what a Bildungsroman is List some of the characteristics of a Bildungsroman Recognize two examples of 20th century Bildungsroman stories
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“Bildungsroman: Definition, Characteristics & Examples”
1. Which of the following novels is not a Bildungsroman?
A. Cinderella B. The Catcher in the Rye C. Great Expectations D. To Kill a Mockingbird E. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer
2. The word Bildungsroman is from what country?
A. France B. Italy C. Belgium D. Austria E. German
3. What causes the epiphany for Holden in 'The Catcher in the Rye' that makes him realize that he's not yet ready to be an adult?
A. When he fails out of school B. When he gets robbed C. When he watches his sister Phoebe joyously riding the carousel D. When he suffers a nervous breakdown E. When he gets sick from drinking too much
4. What well-known genre shares many characteristics with Bildungsroman?
A. Action/Adventure B. The Western C. The Musical D. The Weepie E. Coming of Age
5. Which of the following characteristics is not part of a Bildungsroman?
A. The hero is usually foolish and inexperienced at the beginning of the story B. There is usually some kind of emotional loss at the beginning of the story C. There is a search for meaning by the protagonist D. The protagonist will find true love and live happily ever after E. The journey will not be easy, there will bumps in the road along the way
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The Abyss of Depression
In The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, Holden Caulfield is spiraling deep into the abyss of depression. Each failed attempt at feeling something ends up making him feel worse. In this lesson, we will learn more about Holden's depression.
Afraid of Disappearing
Sad, lonely, depressed, suicidal…these are the kinds of things that Holden feels repeatedly throughout the novel. He recognizes the problem, so why can't he pull himself out of it? More than once, Holden talks about feeling as if he is disappearing. Perhaps because when his little brother Allie died, it felt like Allie just suddenly disappeared. Holden first talks about this after he is expelled from Pencey Prep and runs to Mr. Spencer's house to tell him goodbye. 'After I got across the road, I felt like I was sort of disappearing. It was that kind of a crazy afternoon, terrifically cold, and no sun out or anything, and you felt like you were disappearing every time you crossed a road.' In a way, Holden is disappearing from Pencey.
Holden talks about disappearing again at the end of the novel, after making the decision to hitchhike to an unknown town and start over. He is so miserable in his life that he feels the need to escape, but he is afraid of being alone and forgotten. He talks with his deceased brother, ''I'd say to him, 'Allie, don't let me disappear. Allie, don't let me disappear. Allie, don't let me disappear. Please, Allie.' And then when I'd reach the other side of the street without disappearing, I'd thank him.'' Talking to Allie is something Holden does when he feels really depressed.
Death and Dying
When Mr. Spencer tells Holden to get himself together or he'll regret it 'when it's too late,' Holden immediately thinks of his demise. 'I didn't like hearing him say that. It made me sound dead or something. It was very depressing.' Holden considers his death two other times over the course of three days: When icicles form on his hair in the park, he decides he is dying of pneumonia, and when he reads a magazine article about cancer after spending the night at Grand Central Station, he determines that he is likely dying from cancer.
While the idea of disappearing through death makes him uncomfortable, there are several times during the story that Holden wishes he was dead. Just before meeting Maurice, the pimp, Holden was thinking, 'I wasn't sleepy or anything, but I was feeling sort of lousy. Depressed and all. I almost wished I was dead.'
Everything Makes It Worse
Holden is in such bad shape at this point that almost everything makes his depression worse. You can hear it in his words when:
Saying goodbye to Mr. Spencer: 'Then we shook hands. And all that crap. It made me feel sad as hell, though.' Hearing other people laugh: 'New York's terrible when somebody laughs on the street very late at night. You can hear it for miles. It makes you feel so lonesome and depressed.' Receiving gifts: 'Almost every time somebody gives me a present, it ends up making me sad.' Being with a prostitute: 'I know you're supposed to feel pretty sexy when somebody gets up and pulls their dress over their head, but I didn't. Sexy was about the last thing I was feeling. I felt much more depressed than sexy.' Giving to charity: 'Goddam money. It always ends up making you blue as hell.'
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Holden tries everything from drinking to women to get his mind off how badly he feels, but nothing seems to help. After spending the day at the zoo with his little sister, Phoebe, Holden realizes for the first time in a long time, he feels happy. The carefree way that Phoebe rides the carousel gives him hope that maybe life doesn't have to be that complicated. Phoebe is able to convince Holden to go home and get some help.
Lesson Summary
The Catcher in the Rye takes place over three days, in which Holden's depression moves from bad to worse. While he is afraid of disappearing like his brother, he paradoxically wishes he could disappear from his life, in a way. He has the same conflicting feelings about death. On one hand, he wants to die so he could escape the pain, but on the other, he fears dying. Holden tries drinking, prostitutes, and running away to help himself cope; even receiving gifts, hearing people laugh, and giving to charity makes him depressed. It takes the intervention of his little sister, Phoebe, for Holden to finally get the help he needs.
“Quotes on Depression in The Catcher in The Rye” https://study.com/academy/lesson/quotes-on-depression-in-the-catcher-in-the-rye.html
1. Which of the following does not make Holden feel depressed in The Catcher in the Rye?
A. receiving gifts B. saying goodbye C. watching Phoebe on a carousel D. listening to people laugh
2. What is Holden's plan to make himself disappear in The Catcher in the Rye?
A. go to sleep and never wake up B. enlist in the military C. hitchhike to someplace where no one knows him D. take pills to help him forget
3. Who is able to convince Holden to go home and get some help in The Catcher in the Rye?
A. Phoebe B. Mr. Spencer C. Maurice D. Mr. Antolini
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4. Which of the following diseases does Holden diagnose himself with in The Catcher in the Rye?
A. cancer B. congestive heart failure C. liver failure D. diabetes
5. Who does Holden like to talk to when he feels really depressed in The Catcher in the Rye?
A. a psychologist B. his deceased brother C. his priest D. his parents
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