Context of The Catcher in the Rye
GeographicalWe go from Pencey Prep – land of the phonies – to New York City, land of the…phonies. Holden thinks that by switching location, he can escape the people and attitudes he dislikes. But his internally-generated isolation goes with him. As there are older people constantly around him.
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HistoricalWhen World War II ended in 1945, the United States embarked upon an inexperienced period of economic successful condition, driven by the increase in industrial production markets brought about by the war. Unlike the Great Depression and the war years, Americans had a greater than needed of goods and services from which to choose, and the money with which to purchase them. Non-farming businesses grew by one-third, and housing construction became a booming industry. However, the economic situation was not improved for the poorest Americans during this time. The economic boom brought high inflation, which kept poorer citizens from saving any money, and small farmers faced hard times because of government policies that benefitted larger, corporate farmers. The lowest-paid workers in the country were the migrant farm workers, with sales clerks and unskilled laborers (such as gas station attendants) not far above them.
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BiographicalJerome David Salinger was born on 1st January 1919 in New York. Best known for his novel The Catcher in the Rye, he is known as one of the most famous authors of the 20th century. His novel The Catcher in the Rye set a new course for literature in post world war II. He was inspirted buy many writers such as Phillip Roth, Jon Updike and Harold Brodkey. He was the youngest out of two, his father ran a cheese and ham business with his wife. as they were a mix marriage couple- these were frowned upon in society, and was unaware of his mothers non-jewish rotts after his bar-mitsvah. He flunked out of McBurney school and was sent to Valley Forge Militarty Academt in Wayne, Pennsylvania.
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LiteraryThe Catcher in the Rye falls under postmodernism category. refering to the historical period that began in the 1940s a style of literature basted on western society, in a late capitalist age. the publishing of Cather in the Rye was a shock due to the content of sex and profanity used as it was considered as a taboo at the time. Over time the book became more of an interest and inspired many people to change their views on life. More open minded opinions and behaviour which may have been an aspect in forming the mind-set in the 1960s.
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SocialThe 1950s was an exciting and eventful time period as the 'baby boomers' were going up. however, unemployment and inflation remained low because at this time the war was over and many women were allowed to keep careers female employment increased by 18%. standard living increased by people investing in cars and houses for their children. In addition, 1.5 million TV sets were sold in the united states, having a TV meant you was the popular one down the block.
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Economicinflation was an important issue during the 1950s because of the conditions in the country at this time. At the end of the world war II and the onset of the Korean war. America was expecting to suffer a post- war economic collapse. recession affecting in the third quarter of 1948 and lasted till the second quarter of 1950. consumer prices increased a significant amount due to numerous factors. An example, such as slow growth of productivity in the US economy especially, in the service sector. housing supply increased by 27% , by the end of the years America has pulled out of the previous year's recession and gross and GNP of a growing rate of 7.6%
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Holden's Red Hunting Hat
As we read the novel, we notice the red hunting hat which is used by Salinger to create Symbolism. Only 5 years after the war America at the time experienced alot of paranoia. Senator, Joseph Mcarthy stated that he was aware of communist supporters and sympathisers in the federal government. 'There are reds under the beds', which America did not want as communist countries such as Russia were strict and lost many human rights to the individual. Communists are associated to the colour red, shown on communist country flags and worn, which is also the colour of Holden's hat. Therefore named The Red Scare.
Using symbolism Salinger shows the way communists act is just like the way Holden acts by being alienated and an individual, used as an indirect metaphor. although the novel does not state wheather Holden is a communist.
Using symbolism Salinger shows the way communists act is just like the way Holden acts by being alienated and an individual, used as an indirect metaphor. although the novel does not state wheather Holden is a communist.