Consider how the writer presents the narrator in the opening chapters of the novel The Catcher in the Rye was first published in 1951

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Consider how the writer presents the narrator in the opening chapters of the novel

The Catcher in the Rye was first published in 1951. Due to the fact that large amounts of slang and cursory languages are included in the text the novel provoked great controversy at its release. Critics argued that the book was not serious literature, considering its casual and informal tone.

However the novel still appealed to a great number of people. Salinger’s presentation of the narrator (Holden) seemed to touch the emotions of readers in an exceptional way. The Catcher in the Rye was frequently read as a tale of an individual’s alienation within a “phony” world. Many regarded the novel as a “bildungsroman” (coming of age novel), the main character Holden seemed to stand for teenagers at present day who find themselves surrounded by the pressures of growing up, following the rules and expectations of society, and often had to restrict their own personalities in order to blend into a cultural norm. Many regarded Holden Caulfield as a symbol of individuality in the face of cultural oppression.

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        Unlike conventional novels, where the hero is often portrayed as good, courageous and kind, the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye appears to be troubled, erratic and unreliable. For example, his continues failings in academics and the fact he shows complete lack of interest toward his future. “Oh, I feel some concern for my future… but not too much, I guess. Not too much, I guess.”  The most noticeable of Holden’s eccentricity is how extremely critical he is of almost everything and everybody. He criticizes people who are boring (Mr Spencer), people who are insecure (Ackley), ...

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