Postwar Disillusionment and the Fragility of Identity in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye

Abstract

Within the historical and cultural context of post-World War II America, this research paper examines the psychological distress and identity fragility of Holden Caulfield, the main character in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye.  The book effectively conveys the deep sense of disillusionment that many young Americans experienced during the war, especially those growing up in a culture that placed a greater emphasis on consumerism, conformity, and shallow ideals.  It is believed that Holden's emotional instability, alienation, and cynicism are signs of a greater existential and cultural crisis rather than just personal characteristics.

The study shows how Salinger creates a compelling story about a teen's fight to maintain innocence in a corrupted society by examining Holden's interactions, inner monologues, and rejection of "phony" adult behaviour.  In order to comprehend Holden's unpredictable behaviour and worldview, the study incorporates psychiatric theories on depression, trauma, and identity development—particularly Erik Erikson's notion of identity crisis.  Furthermore, the study integrates viewpoints from American social history and postwar literary criticism to contextualize Holden's defiance of the prevailing cultural standards of the 1950s.Through an interdisciplinary approach, this paper argues that The Catcher in the Rye transcends the personal narrative of a troubled youth to become a timeless exploration of existential angst, moral confusion, and the human need for authenticity in an impersonal world. Salinger’s work remains a profound critique of postwar American values and a voice for generations questioning their place in a disenchanted society