The Catcher in the Rye Summary

J.D. Salinger's "The Catcher in the Rye" is a novel that captures the alienation and confusion of adolescence through the voice of its protagonist, Holden Caulfield. Set in the 1950s, the story follows Holden after he is expelled from Pencey Prep, a prestigious boarding school. Over the course of a few days in New York City, Holden grapples with his disillusionment with the adult world, his grief over the death of his younger brother Allie, and his fear of growing up. He interacts with various people, from old friends to strangers, but his attempts at connection often end in frustration. Holden is fixated on preserving the innocence of children, epitomized by his fantasy of being "the catcher in the rye," saving children from falling into the corruption of adulthood. However, his mental state deteriorates, leading to a nervous breakdown. The novel ends with Holden in a mental institution, contemplating his future. "The Catcher in the Rye" is a powerful exploration of teenage angst, identity, and the struggle to find one's place in a complex and often hypocritical world.