In The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger makes a variety of choices regarding elements of the novel. Each of these elements contribute to the success to the text as a whole. The setting, the way the characters are introduced, and the order of the plot are all elements of the text. Salinger chooses New York City as the setting, introduces his characters to symbolize innocence and orders his events in means of a flashback. All of these attributes contribute immensely to the comprehensive impact of the book seeing as they make the book more sentimental, help captivate the reader, and better enhance the theme of the novel.
Salinger chose New York City as the setting of the literary work because it has significance to him and suits the theme of the book well. The theme of the book is to be yourself. Generally, people associate New York with having an abundance of people pretending to be someone they are not. Seeing as the theme is to be yourself, it is not encouraged to be someone
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Phoebe, Mr. Antolini, Holden, and Jane are all symbolic figures used to better relate the theme that the innocent should be protected. Phoebe represents pure innocence in the novel and Holden represents someone who protects innocence of children from the "phony," adult world. Mr. Antolini represents a guiding hand that helps people mature and Jane represents an innocent childhood full of nothing "phony." By describing the interactions of these people, Salinger helps the reader better grasp the concept of his theme. For example, as Jane matures and begins to lose her innocence, Holden is greatly disturbed and often frets over her. This interaction represents the keeper of innocence being troubled by the developing loss of an innocent. Therefore, Salinger conveys to the reader the innocent must be protected. As these characters develop, his theme is still, better