Crisis, Rebellion And Regeneration

J. D. Salinger's novel The Catcher in the Rye is considered as one of the Modern Classics in the post-war American literature gallery. After being expelled from Pencey Prep, the protagonist starts a three-day odyssey to avoid going home to confront his parents and learns fundamental lessons about life and self. Since its publication in 1951, the novel has been the focus of critical circles and has got mixed reception. Critics have launched fierce debates over the issues reflected in the novel.From the psychosocial perspective, this thesis, by employing Erikson's theory of the psychosocial development stages and identity crisis, intends to analyze Holden's identity crisis, rebellion and regeneration in connection with the social, political and economic background.First of all, the thesis observes that Salinger, with his eccentric behavior and inability to communicate with others, is an alienated writer. Shortly after he had established his fame as one of the most influential post-war American writers, he chose to lead a life of recluse, which is the striking reflection of his alienation from the mainstream culture. Similarly, Holden Caulfield is incompatible with the society. The sources of Holden's crisis not only lie in the failure of family and school education, but also result from his alienation from the phony world. Secondly, Holden's rebellion against the material heaven and spiritual hell is another issue that this thesis explores. The thesis discusses in detail his rebellion against the educational system, the mass society and the conventional language. Thirdly, the thesis explores Holden's regeneration through his constant search for innocence, love and self-identity as well as his growing-up through epiphanies.This study has its realistic significance: firstly, in the modern society of the material affluence, we should pay more attention to the spiritual aspects of life. Moreover, Holden's three-day odyssey gives us much enlightenment. When life is depressing, we should not lose heart, but face all the challenges with an optimistic attitude and make efforts to fit into the society, not at the cost of our dreams of course.