An Existential Study On The Alienation Theme In The Catcher In The Rye

J.D.Salinger is one of the most influential writers in contemporary American literature.The Catcher in the Rye is a controversial work by J.D.Salinger published in the 1950 s.The novel has remained a best-seller for a long time.Through the story of a seemingly rebellious teenager,the novel reveals the problem of education and growth of young people.Sartrean Existentialism opens up a fresh angle to probe into this novel.The major concerns of existentialism like “existence precedes essence”,“hell is other people”,“alienation” and “anguish” are all fully represented in it.With the rapid development of the American society after WW II,the school,family,society and even the social outlooks and interpersonal relationships have been comprehensively alienated.Fame and wealth accumulation,hypocrisy,moral depravity and sensual indulgence become the universal principles of life in the rich American society,families and schools are no exception.The innocent Holden feels miserable and confused no matter he tries these “queer things” or he escapes from them,because he does not know whether he is right or wrong.Everything in the adult world makes him puzzled and lost.The all-round alienated adult world is not only blind to children's justifiable needs,but it attempts to lead him more and more astray.In the novel,the young Holden is angry and confused about the alienated society.He dreams of becoming a catcher in the rye,protecting the innocent children from falling into the abyss of the hypocritical and shallow adult world.From the perspective of existentialism,Holden is a victim of the alienated world and his pain is inevitable.He has no belonging in the society,with no freedom,and his sufferings are the consequence of alienation of the society.He realizes that there is a great difference between the world he desires and the real world.An individual is helpless,and cannot resist,or change the powerful alienated society.He can only struggle to explore in a bitter situation.However,people cannot just sit there without doing anything,allowing the alienated society to deprive children of innocence and happiness.This thesis,by employing the theory of existentialism,analyzes Holden's spiritual Odyssey with alienation as the thematic focus.Besides the introduction and the conclusion,this thesis consists of four chapters.The introduction part concentrates on J.D.Salinger,The Catcher in the Rye,and the literature review on it at home and abroad.Chapter One traces the theory of Existentialism and manifests the related terms of existentialism to be employed in the thesis.Chapter Two analyzes the alienated education in the novel.With the rapid accumulation of wealth after WW II in America,the whole society grew increasingly crazy about the happiness of the material life,resulting in utilitarianism and materialism.Whether Holden's school or the educational system in the United States does not concentrate on the student any more,and is alienated.Chapter Three focuses on the alienated society.The concept of money worship and abnormal interpersonal relationship are the main manifestations of the social alienation.Such social phenomenon imposes great influence on the alienation of school which in turn affects Holden in the education institution.Chapter Four analyzes alienation of Holden's family.Holden's lack of care from his parents and absence of religion at home make him unable to find spiritual comfort.The alienation of the family makes Holden feel lonely,helpless and no emotional belonging.Chapter Five summarizes the consequences of the alienation phenomena aforementioned.The comprehensive alienation of education,society,and family bring great suffering to Holden.Depression,embarrassment,and confusion have always been his companions.However,the teenager innocence makes Holden dream to become a catcher in the Rye.The conclusion part summarizes the whole thesis.This thesis points out the way to avoid Holden's tragedy and the lessons modern men can draw.