ABSTRACT

The Catcher in the Rye, published in 1951, is the only published novel of J. D. Salinger. It pointed out the problems which young people were faced with after World War II. Since its publication, while having received a lot of positive and negative comments, the book still rank top on the best-sellers list. 

The Catcher in the Rye is classified as an initiation story, and this paper explores the factors that influence Holden Caulfield’ s character and lead to his rebellion from the perspective of growth experience.

It draws the following conclusion: Holden tries to do everything he can to get freedom, but he fails. He has no choice but to compromise to reality and finally goes insane.

Keywords: J.D. Salinger; The Catcher in the Rye; initiation story; character-building; rebellion

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

CONTENS iv

CHAPTER ONE  INTRODUCTION.1

CHAPTER TWO  LITERATURE REVIEW 3  

     2.1 Studies Abroad3

     2.2 Studies at Home.4

CHAPTER THREE  HOLDEN’ S GROWTH ENVIRONMENT.6

     3.1 Family Reason: Lack of parental care6

     3.2 School’ s Hypocrisy.10

     3.3 Society’s Phoniness.12

CHAPTER FOUR  HOLDEN’ S REBELLION14

     4.1 Holden’ s Innocence and Experience.14

     4.2 Striving for Love.16

CHAPTER FIVE  CONCLUSION.19

REFRENCES.21