ABSTRACT

The Catcher in the Rye, written by an American writer Jerome David Salinger, is a novel that adequately reflects the contradictory and chaotic mental states of the young generation after World War II. The main character, Holden Caulfield, is a teenager who is a symbol of the young generation. This paper focuses on the formation, development and consequence of his spiritual crisis. Holden is unwilling to enter the dirty adult world but he does not have enough courage and confidence to defend the innocence and purity of children. The author deeply grasps the psychological characteristics of the young generation and exposes these teenagers’ frustration and confusion by describing Holden Caulfield’s experience and thoughts.

Keywords：The Catcher in the Rye; the young generation; spiritual crisis; frustration and confusion

CONTENTS

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

ABSTRACT

摘要

Chapter One INTRODUCTION-1

1.1 Brief Introduction of Jerome David Salinger and His Writings-1

1.2 Literature Review-2

1.3 The Significance of This Paper-4

Chapter Two SOURCES OF HOLDEN’S SPIRITUAL CRISIS-5

2.1 His Sensitive Character-5

2.2 Failure of Family Education-6

2.3 Holden’s School Life-7

Chapter Three HOLDEN’S MISERABLE STRUGGLE-9

3.1 The Edmont Hotel-9

3.2 A Catcher in the Rye-10

3.3 Mr. Antolini-11

Chapter Four HOLDEN’S HELPLESS COMPROMISE-13

4.1The Plan of Going to the West-13

4.2 Saying Goodbye to Phoebe-14

4.3 Giving Up the Plan-15

Chapter Five CONCLUSION-17

WORKS CITED-20