Catcher and the Rye 5

Question five for the book asks if the novel accurately reflects history. We do not know the year so 325 words is basically impossible!

I do not know if the novel accurately reflects history because the year is never given. Therefore the reader has to look at context clues. The first thing that I saw that could tell the year was the language. Holden continuality uses the word phonies. No one says that word in the 21^st century so I conclude it was set at least one hundred years ago. Also the characters use the word gay to mean happy or joyful. In today’s world that word means something completely different.

Another thing would be the lack of technology. Cell phones and Ipods are not mentioned in this novel. When Holden went to New York, he had to call people if he wanted to hang out or talk to them. Today we would just text or facetime someone. Holden had to use a payphone to talk to people. If Holden was living in today’s world he would walk around New York with his headphones, probably beats, cranked up loud.  

I do not think the books setting or time period has thematic significance because we do not know the time period. The book does not need this thematic significance though. It still is relatable and an enjoyable read.

Salinger, J. D. The Catcher in the Rye. Boston: Little, Brown, 2001. Print.