McKenzie DuncanMr. RenouardHistory27 April 2014The Catcher on the Rye, The Young Catcher on the Rye, by JD Salinger, is perhaps the most intriguing book in American literature. The theme of teenage rebellion in The Catcher in the Rye has become a focal point in classrooms around the world. The author leaves much of the book up to the reader's interpretation. Many people, especially teenage boys, connected with the main character's thoughts and feelings, allowing this book to touch and influence those who read it. This book not only reflects its time period, but greatly influences an entire generation. This book exposes the social changes that occurred in the 1950s. A culture that was once known for prudence quickly transformed into a new rebellious society. The Catcher in the Rye is the story of a teenager struggling with the harsh realities of growing up and his own problems. This story begins with the main character Holden not going to school. Holden seems to have problems everywhere he goes. He writes an essay about his brother Allie who died of leukemia. His roommate insults the sage, forcing Holden to punch him in the face. He runs away from school after arguing with his roommate. He remains in New York City until the end of the rest of the school year. On the subway into the city he tells made-up stories to the other passengers. Once he arrives in town, he checks into the Edmont Hotel. As he explores the city he seems to simultaneously explore his sexual curiosity. He says “In my mind, I'm probably the biggest sex maniac you've ever seen” (34). He flirts with several women eventually sparking interest in a prostitute. The prostitute called "sunny" feels frustrated... middle of paper... that American society's social norms were suddenly changing. However, Holden's excessive swearing was seen by the public as inappropriate, states Donald P. Costello: "Most critics who watched The Catcher in the Rye at the time of its publication thought that its language was a true and authentic rendering of the adolescent colloquial speech” (251). The Catcher in the Rye, encouraged a social revolution. Robson, L. (2010). Have and Holden. New Statesman, 139(4987), 50.Costello, Donald P. "The Language of the Catcher in the Rye." Critical Insights: The Catcher In The Rye (2011): 251-264. Literary reference center. Network. 27 April 2014. Catalano, Cristina. History Department at Digital Commons @ IWU. vol. 3. Np: np, 2002. Digital Commons @ IWU. Network. May 27 2014. .