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The Catcher in the Rye is a J. D. Salinger famous novel, initially published for adults and now a part of high school and college syllabus in many educational institutions. The book deals with the teenage rebellion and defiance of its anti-hero, Holden Caulfield, following his expulsion from Pencey Prep, a fictional college preparatory school.
The book takes the form of a first person narration, with Holden sharing the encounters he has had with students and faculty of Pencey. On his expulsion, he runs away to New York city and the book now deals with his experiences there, and then goes to to trace his psychological self-destruction over a matter of days.
Salinger’s tale of the human condition is fascinating and enlightening though depressing. Caulfield’s self-destruction, as vividly portrayed by his depression, nervous breakdown, impulsive spending, sexual exploration, vulgarity, and other erratic behavior is the plot of the novel, and reveals contemporary society’s attitude toward the human condition.