The Catcher In The Rye And Zen Buddhism

The Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger's masterpiece, was first published in 1951, which is set in the background of post-World War II in the US. Written in the first person, the novel depicts in flashback the mature pilgrimage of the adolescent protagonist, Holden, who wanders around New York after expelled from the fourth prep, encountering persons from different social status and suffering various contradictions. Translated into different languages and republished as well as reprinted, it attracts readers all over the world, especially the adolescents. Honored as the "Bible" of literature, it has been sold for more than 60 million copies so far.Salinger was born in 1919 and had experienced the World War II. He is a low-yield novelist, having published 35 stories in total. Fascinated by the concept of Zen Buddhism, he develops the philosophy of reclusion and therefore lives a plain life in New Hampshire since 1960s. Admitting autobiographical elements, The Catcher in the Rye apparently implies author's idea in his hero, Holden.Pivoting around the social environments, Holden's growing experience, and speeches as well as behaviors, this thesis investigates the thoughts of the characters, the implications by incidents and words, and their origins. Holden is personalized with contradictions, innocent yet immature, vulgarand worldly, self-critical yet unrestraint and indulgent, hoping to become deaf-mute yet willing to converse, and tending to accept advice yet obstinate, all of which originates in his, even Salinger's yearning for innocence, equality and happy lives as opposed to their strong disappointment at the phony relationships between human beings and ruthless living competitions. As an adolescent, Holden (even Salinger) feels puzzled and painful.The thesis tries to investigate the associations of Zen Buddhism with Salinger, The Catcher in the Rye, and Holden respectively. Influenced by Zen Buddhism, Salinger leads a Zen Buddhistic life, which reflects in his novels. The Catcher in the Rye that advocates contradictions and harmony in social life has been considered a significant conduct book for adolescents. Metaphoric stories, similar to Koans used in Zen Buddhism, are introduced to guide Holden to enlightenment. Admonishments between teachers and students in Zen Buddhism are also borrowed to the novel. In addition, the thesis analyzes Salinger and Holden's superficial realization of the spirit of Zen Buddhism, such as their misunderstanding of beings' equality, unawareness of the essence of realities, and lacking in self-discipline.Moreover, the thesis discusses the typical writing characteristics of the novel in details.