The Catcher in the Rye - 8

8) How accurately does this novel reflect events in history?  What responsibilities does the author believe exist between various groups in society, such as workers and bosses, men and women, blacks and whites, etc.?  What people, ideas, and events probably influenced this author?


This question is a lot like question number five, which deals with historical and social issues of the given time period.  The novel was actually written by J.D. Salinger in the time period that the story is set in.  Even so, the time period was quite a bit different than the modern-day world.  Salinger believes that teachers not only teach students, but also mentor them (Salinger 3).  He believes that men are superior to women, and that men are to be separated from women politically and educationally (Salinger 3).  At this time, segregation still exists between black people and white people, although it is not talked about in this novel.
Although Holden Caulfield is often more critical of his professors than anything, they still care about his well-being and his future, along with building a personal relationship with him.  The way Mr. Spencer invites Caulfield to his home to discuss his future plans makes me believe that teachers treated students differently than they treat students now (Salinger 8-15). 
Caulfield tends to describe a woman as more of a form of art than a person.  He sees women as things to be observed and criticized, rather than spoken to intellectually or realistically.  An example of this is when he meets up with an acquaintance's mother on a train to New York.  He mentally observes her while he makes up ridiculous lies about his life (Salinger 54-57).  He also does something similar while conversing with three women in the Lavender Room.  He makes observations and opinions of them while he lies to them (Salinger 69-75).  I don't recall a single realistic conversation between Caulfield and a female through the whole book, except a few with his younger sister. 
These characteristics still exist in people today, but not quite as apparently.  Today, the relationship between teacher and student is a little less personal, due to rules and regulations of student-teacher conduct.  There are not as many ways for students and teachers to have close friendships.  Also, women have more rights nowadays.  Women are treated more equally and with more respect in society today.  


Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991