A Study Of The Catcher In The Rye From The Perspective Of Ecocriticism

Jerome David Salinger is an influential writer in the post-war American literature. His masterpiece The Catcher in the Rye is regarded as a "modern classic" in past-war American literature. For many years, The Catcher in the Rye has encountered a variety of compliments and criticism from many different critical perspectives. Nevertheless, people hadn't reviewed and reinterpreted J.D. Salinger and his novel from ecological perspective until ecocriticism came out last century. This thesis attempts to study The Catcher in the Rye from ecological perspective to explore J. D. Salinger's ecological consciousness. It is hoped that this thesis can be beneficial for further study of The Catcher in the Rye.The thesis contains four chapters with one introduction and a conclusion. Introduction aims to give a brief survey of the current study on The Catcher in the Rye and the significance of the research project is also mentioned in this part.Chapter one mainly deals with ecocriticism and alienation, which paves the way for a better understanding of the following parts.Chapter two analyzes man's alienation in The Catcher in the Rye. Through the analysis of man's alienation from nature, society and self, it can be seen that this is a society which lacks care and love and where people never cease to hunt for material enjoyment. The modern urban life is full of exhaustion of feelings and degeneration of morality. Profit-seeking and wealth accumulation are viewed as the supreme ends. People feel isolated and desperate in this disharmonious social environment.Chapter three analyzes Holden's ecological consciousness reflected in the novel. Through the analysis of Holden's close relationship with nature and children, Holden's strong will to return to nature is revealed. Holden's final salvation symbolizes that human beings could restore their spiritual harmony if they can get enough care and love from others.Chapter four tries to summarize the ecological consciousness of Salinger through the study of Salinger's time and life. In 1950s, people were alienated by materialized civilization and lived on the spiritual "waste land". According to Salinger, human beings can find a counteraction against the alienating power of modern civilization by living a simple life and returning to nature.The conclusion part reviews the ecocritical study of The Catcher in the Rye. Also in this part, the significance and value of the thesis are reinforced.