CARLEY WOODENDemonstrate the loss of innocence in teenagers in the 1950s through
history and as portrayed in J.D. Salinger’s book, the Catcher in the Rye.
Rebellious against parents and authority figures
New fashions
Controversial music
Dancing with friends
Dating/openly talking about sexual activities
IDENTITY OF THE 1950S TEENAGER
HOLDEN’S CHILDHOODKeeps revisiting memories
Relates more with children than adults
Complains about what is on his mind
Very easily distracted/pulled off topic
Exaggerates
Thinks spur of the moment; acts without thinking
Very sensitive
Doesn’t understand sex or relationships
Doesn’t apply himself; failing out of school
Doesn’t take responsibility
Contradicts himself
Has a hard time letting things go
HOLDEN’S ADULTHOOD AND MATURITY
Not afraid to travel by himself
Orders and drinks alcohol
Acts tough
Smokes
Cares about Jane
Interested in sex and women
TRANSFORMATION SYMBOLSFrozen lake
• Still liquid underneath, but frozen at the top
• Shows the line between childhood and adulthood, but not always definitive
• Brings back memories from his childhood
• The change bothers Holden; wants to know where and why the ducks leave, also him wondering if he is going to change
• Represents the change to adult
Red hat• Buys it in New York after
everyone gets mad at him• Puts it on many times
during the book (usually when he is feeling vulnerable)
• Makes him feel better• Doesn't care if he looks
silly, childish, or corny• He thinks when he wears it
he can act as tough or unique as he wants
• Represents childhood and safety
HO LDEN ’S INNO CENCE AND TRANS FOR MAT I O N
Loss of innocence• Mentions/thinks
about sex frequently• Independent • No longer cares
about school• Smokes and drinks
alcohol• Curses • Goes on a date
Transformation• Beginning
• Acted like a child• Didn’t care what people
thought • Hypocritical• Identifies with kids more than
adults• End
• Wants to “catch” (protect) kids • Gets angry when kids are
exposed to adult things• Realizes childhood desires
have passed
Music• “Race music” turned
into rock n roll • Stars- Elvis Presly,
Little Richard, Jerry Lee Lewis
• Teenagers expressed themselves
• Parents were strongly against this; took strong actions
1950S TEENAGER S NEW CU LTU R E & LO SS O F INNOCENCE
Appearance• Boys hair touching ears
resulted in expulsion• Girls hair styles- typically up-
dos or short with pin curls• Lively, vibrant patterns• New fashion silhouettes
• Beat movement/beatniks • Open about sex and
relationships• More freedoms
Rebellion
PERSONAL VIEWEveryone matures at their own rate; no one is the same
Slow change; hard to specifically define child from adult during teen years
Childhood• The time to figure out who you will become• The upcoming change may be scary, but it is undeniable
Adulthood• Accepting more responsibilities • Starting a new chapter of life