‘The Catcher in the Rye’ in the view of Modernism

By. 김한비 Hanbi Kim

"The Catcher in the Rye" is a notable work in the history of American literature. The novel handles
topics such as teenage disillusionment and alienation in post-World War II America. The protagonist
Holden Caulfield, a 17-year-old high schooler, gets himself expelled from the prep school he attended due
to his failure of blending in and accepting the blandness of his education. Unable to resonate with the
adult world, which he considers hypocritical and superficial, Holden searches for truth and authenticity
through venturing in places which provide adult experiences. His experience, however, is filled with
challenges and disappointments which consequently leads him to be treated as a patient in a mental
asylum. The historical context of late 1950s America is crucial in understanding the novel. This period in
American history was characterized by optimism and prosperity, yet it also concealed a deep undercurrent
of anxiety and disenchantment, particularly among the youth. The trauma of World War II had a profound
impact on American society, leading people to question the values and beliefs they once took for granted.
This era, often referred to as the ‘Monochrome Society’, revolved primarily around middle-class families,
fostering a hypocritical attitude towards society and indifference towards others. This societal backdrop
mirrors Holden's personal struggle with the phoniness he undergoes in the adult world.
Thematically, the novel introduces several philosophical themes. Firstly, it explores existentialism, as
Holden struggles to figure out life’s meaning and his place in the world. His constant questioning and
introspection represents the existential belief that individuals must find their own path in a world
inherently devoid of it, a concept introduced by philosopher Martin Heidegger and Jean-Paul Sartre as
‘Thrownness’. The novel also subtly addresses existential loneliness and isolation. Holden's struggle to
interpret his feelings and his penetrating sense of being an outsider reflects the existentialist view that
individuals are fundamentally alone in their experiences and subjective realities. This concept is known as
nihilism, and is deeply related to ‘The Eternal Recurrence of the Same’, a concept introduced in Friedrich
Nietzche’s renowned book ‘Thus Spoke Zarathustra’. Secondly, the book examines the concept of
innocence and its loss. Holden's aspiration to be the "catcher in the rye," protecting innocent children in
the ‘rye’, symbolizes his desire to preserve innocence, connecting to the philosophical idea of inherent
human goodness and the corrupting influence of society and adulthood.
Although these interpretations are what is commonly known for ‘The Catcher in the Rye’, I would like to
present my own perspective by comparing it to the Korean novel ‘The Wings’ by Yi Sang, concluding
that Salinger’s novel participates in a form of Modernism. ‘The Wings’ is known for its controversy and
ambiguity, but I have derived my interpretation by considering the definition of ‘Modernism’. Commonly
associated with rationality, logic, change, or innovation, modernism can be categorized into two types:
one related to rationality and logic, and the other to artistic innovation. Yi Sang criticized society for
focusing on the former while neglecting the latter, a mindset that consequently leads to the
dehumanization of individuals, treating them as mere cogs in a machine. I argue that while ‘The Catcher
in the Rye’ is hailed as a modern literary masterpiece, it lacks in terms of rationality or logic, potentially
misleading young readers who are still defining their moral and ethical boundaries. This idea is further
supported by the fact that numerous adolescent crimes were in fact repeatedly influenced by ‘The Catcher
in the Rye’, an ironic outcome given the novel’s intended message.
Another interesting fact I found was that the novel in fact shares its main theme of shielding childhood
innocence with ‘The Story of the Vivian Girls’, a work of outsider artist Henry Darger, yet contains an
entirely different backstory. Darger’s work was heavily influenced by his traumatic childhood and
personal experiences of being a social outcast, while Salinger’s work was rather a result of dissatisfaction
with his current societal background. Although, judging by each artist’s personal experiences, each novel
has its own pros and cons. Darger’s work tends to portray this issue as a more realistic concept, giving the
reader an immersive experience of an individual’s struggle in adapting. However, because of this writing
style, his novels portray a rather violent and shocking imagery, making it less accessible and distinct from
common mass media. Salinger, on the other hand, delivers this message in a vague and literary writing
style, a technique that allows the majority to easily understand and resonate with the protagonist who
suffers from similar problems they face in everyday life.
In conclusion, "The Catcher in the Rye" is a societal commentary based on the human condition,
reflecting the historical and philosophical context of post-WWII America. Even considering its lack of
rational judgment, its main themes such as authenticity, innocence, and isolation makes it a timeless
classic that continues to resonate with young readers today.