J. D. Salinger Essay - 2481 Words

J. D. Salinger J. D. Salinger The worth of a book is to be measured by what you can carry away from it. -James Bryce* In 1945, a novel was published that would forever change the way society views itself. The book, entitled The Catcher in the Rye, would propel a man named Jerome David Salinger to fame as one of the most famous authors of the twentieth century. This same man, not ten years after the publication and while still in the peak of his career, would depart from this society- the one that he so greatly changed leaving nothing but his literature to be his lasting voice. However one may view this mysterious life of J. D. Salinger, there is but one thing for certain: J. D. Salinger has provided the reader with a†¦show more content†¦After receiving an English degree at Columbia, Salinger worked briefly as an entertainer on the Swedish Liner MS Kungsholm in the Caribbean in 1941. In 1942 Salinger enlisted in the United States Army and fought in World War II, where he eventually be came a staff sergeant earning five battle stars. The time spent overseas played a major role in what would ultimately be the basis of most of Salingers short stories. World War II is also where Salinger met one of his major literary influences, Ernest Hemingway. Although Salingers style stems from Hemingway, their first encounter was not one that sat well on Salingerss mind. The story goes that while Hemingway was serving as an author-correspondent, he visited Salingers regiment and that Salinger became disgusted when Hemingway shot the head off a chicken to demonstrate the merits of a German Lager (French 25). The incident so affected Salinger that he incorporates it into his short story, For Esme: with Love and Squalor, with a corporal named Clay shooting the head off a cat and constantly dwelling upon the senseless act. The relationship between Hemingway and Salinger would last until Hemingways death in 1961. Despite having a personal relationship with Hemingway, according to Har old Bloom, †¦[Salingers work actually] derives from F. Scott Fitzgerald (qtd. in Salinger SSC 2: 318). Such a conclusion can be drawn for a number of reasons. First, Salingers narrativeShow MoreRelatedCatcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger1159 Words   |  5 Pages Catcher in the Rye is one of the most famous books in American literature. Written by J. D. Salinger, it captures the epitome of adolescence through Salinger’s infamous anti-hero, Holden Caulfield. Holden Caulfield learns about himself and his negative tendencies, and realizes that if he does not do something to change his perspective, he may end up like his acquaintance James Castle whom he met at Elkton Hills. Holden tries to find help to mend his outlook on life through Mr. Antolini so he doesRead MoreThe Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger2004 Words   |  9 PagesThe Catcher in the Rye is a popular novel written by J.D. Salinger. Published in 1951, the book was originally written for adults, but it is now remembered and adored by people from all parts of the world and people from all walks of life – especially by teenagers – a likely effect that was only inevitable considering the center stage of the narrator the great crumby flake Holden Caulfield, to us e his style of speaking, who accurately portrayed teenage angst and loneliness in a style that many youngstersRead MoreThe Contemporary Age Of A Novel Written By J. D. Salinger1177 Words   |  5 PagesContemporary age has been characterized by wars or the threat of war. This left the American civilians feeling scared. This fear and the life of the American civilian during the Contemporary Age were captured in a novel written by J. D. Salinger. 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Salinger703 Words   |  3 Pagesvery important parts of literature that have touched the life of many, both young and old. The authors, Stephen Chbosky author of The Perks Of Being A Wallflower and J. D. Salinger author of The Catcher in The Rye are both very well known writers. The Catcher In The Rye By J. D Salinger The Catcher in the Rye written by J. D. Salinger is a book written in 1951. IT is considered to be one of the greatest books, it has also become very controversial all throughout the world. We begin the book NarratedRead MoreThe Catcher in the Rye, by J. D. Salinger1187 Words   |  5 Pagesthe famous novel â€Å"The Catcher in the Rye,† written by J.D. Salinger. The novel follows Holden while he goes on a â€Å"weekend adventure.† There are only 3 days of school left until everyone at Pencey Prep, the private school in which Holden attends, can go home for Christmas break. Holden, due to his lack of effort, has been told that he will not be attending Pencey Prep anymore. 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