Abstract

Written by J.D Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye is a famous novel. As the author’s first novel, with its deep understanding and concern for young people’s growing process, the novel becomes one of the “Modern Classics” of American Literature. This novel depicts Holden, a 16-year-old middle school student, from a well-off family, expelled from school after failed four examinations. He went to New York and began his life on the road. After his three days’ wanderings, he experienced the hypocritical side of the adult world and the ugliness of society. By reading this novel, one can find that an American teenager’s psychological development – change from resistance to compromise. At first, Holden refused to grow up. At the end of the story, he just wanted to be a catcher in the rye, which meant that he just wanted to protect children’s innocence. This thesis analyzes protagonist’s psychological development and tried to unscramble Holden’s growth experience. The body of this thesis is divided into three parts. The first part analyzed Holden’s personality, who lacked family love and was a misfit at school. The series of factors also created the necessary conditions for his later escape. The second part analyzed Holden’s psychological development which was from escape to acceptance. As for Holden, it was a painful process but he had to accept. The third part analyzed the significance of Holden’s growth and the strategies that he uses for growth. 

Key Words: The Catcher in the Rye; Misfit; Escape; Maturity

Contents

Abstract

摘要

1  Introduction-1

2  Holden as the Main Character in the Novel-4

2.1 Holden’s Lack of Family Love-4

2.2 Holden Being a Misfit at School-6

3  Holden’s Psychological Development-8

3.1 Holden’s Personality-8

3.2 Refusal: Living with Rebellious-9

3.3 Experience: Escaping from Home and Seeking for Love-10

4  The Significance of Holden’s Growth-13

4.1 Maturity: The Loss of Innocence-13

4.2 Holden’s Enlightenment on the Contemporary Teenagers-14

5  Conclusion-16

Bibliography-17

Acknowledgments-18