Catcher in the Rye

     The Catcher in the Rye is a delightful commentary on American society by its author, J. D. Salinger; he uses the main character, Holden Caulfield, as his mouthpiece.  Set in New York, Holden narrates a 4 day journey on the streets of NY during which he reveals in a comically narrative style his criticisms of adults.
     This controversial novel of the late 1950s has much more to it than initially meets the eye.  Salinger's symbolism of the red hunting hat, the carousel, and the museum coupled with the characters of Phoebe (his younger sister) and Jane Gallagher present an intriguing novel of value and merit.