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Catcher In The Rye Movie Analysis

850 Words4 Pages

In the novel, The Catcher in the Rye, the main character, Holden Caulfield directly symbolizes the author of the book J.D. Salinger; both men loathed of moves, spent some time in a mental institution, and loved innocence. Some view Catcher in the Rye as Salinger’s autobiography although he rejects any connections between their lives. However, through the use of literary techniques Salinger undoubtedly embodies himself into Holden. From their similar attitudes to their identical life experiences, Holden Caulfield fully represents J.D. Salinger. Despite wanting to act in his youth, Salinger despised movies after one of his short stories "Uncle Wiggily in Connecticut”, became a film, however they changed the name to My Foolish Heart and changed many characteristics of the short story. After viewing …show more content…

In The Catcher in the Rye, Holden begins his story by explaining his hatred of movies; on page 2 Holden exclaims, “Now he’s out in Hollywood, D.B., being a prostitute. If there’s one thing I hate, it’s the movies”. The negative tone used and negative connotation of his words like prostitute, fully represent his frustration with the film industry and the people involved in them. Salinger’s feelings towards films influenced him while writing Holden’s character. Not only did his feelings influence his writing, his life experiences also manipulated his work.
The both experienced trips to a mental hospital and dealt with depression. Succeeding World War II, Salinger viewed so many horrors and atrocities that it led him to having a mental breakdown. Therefore, after serving as a pilot during World War II, Salinger realizes he needs help and checked himself into a California mental institution where doctors diagnosed him with depression (Salinger Movie).

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