Influence of

             Have you ever met a smart mouthed, bewildered teen with uncanny wisdom that grabbed people in a way that didn't seem right? Here is an introduction to that distressed teen, Holden Caulfied. Being the protagonist of "The Catcher in the Rye", Holden has intrigued lovers and even haters of literature. The Novel was released in 1951 selling for around a pitiful three dollars. Now that first edition novel sells for around fifteen thousand dollars (Weaver). It could be expected from a 51 year old novel that has sold almost two hundred and fifty thousand copies a year. The characteristics of Holden Caulfield along with the time period it was written has caused "The Catcher in the Rye" to become an influential novel on individuals, the education system and entertainment.
             The time period it was written played a important role in the development of the novels history to come. In the 1950's the world was just recovering from the devastation of World War II, which ended five years previously. The United States emerged as a Super Power, the wealthiest nation and the American way of life was envied throughout the Western world. This was a time when people were friendlier, more caring, and honest. People were not afraid to leave their homes without locking their doors. Neighbors were always there to help you for whatever reason and, families were close. They would have dinner each night, watch television, and do activities together. Children in this time were brought up to respect their elders, conform, and behave according to the their elder's values, which was totally opposite of Holden. Most of them did so, although a growing spirit of rebellion and a new assertiveness of ideas and styles soon developed. The term "teenager" became widely used. Teenagers found their own taste in music and fashion. Girls were most likely found wearing clothes like people that they saw on television and the m...

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Influence of. (1969, December 31). In MegaEssays.com. Retrieved 01:44, March 29, 2024, from https://www.megaessays.com/viewpaper/90506.html