Holden Caulfield, a man before his time.

In case you’re wondering, Mr Holden Caulfield is the main character in J.D Salinger’s classic novel A Catcher in the Rye, first published in 1951. Arguably one of the most influential and successful pieces of fictional literature ever produced, it still sells 250,000 copies a year totalling a huge 65million copies sold since 1951.

But that’s enough facts and figures, the reason it is so iconic and reputable is because the main character is so accurately formed and portrayed. Holden is a case of a confused, alienated and rebellious teenager who is so full of angst and frustration his mind barely controls his actions. Salinger sends him and his unique vocabulary on a destructive journey of self-discovery which involves under-age drinking, confrontations with prostitutes and petty violence.

It begins set in 1949 with Caulfield at a strict prep school, often compared to a military organisation. He drops out, accusing almost everyone there of being fake, or as he calls ‘phoneys’. From there on its a downward spiral of drinking and depression as he tries desperately to figure life and what he is going to do with his. It’s this confusion and lack of direction in which adolescents and young adults relate to so well.

But more importantly, it reflected the way the world’s society was heading. In the time and era the book was written, men and women were expected to marry before the age of 21, and if they didn’t serious concern and accusation were harboured against them. So, in this more conventional society, people would find a member of the opposite sex and settle down as quickly and smoothly as possible.

However, Holden was different, a maverick of 21st century thinking stuck in the mid 20th century. He didn’t want to conform and find a girl, find a career and have children all before he’d even reached his mid-twenties. He alienated himself from the norms of society, and for that he’s a martyr.

One of many artistic impressions of Holden.

And for this, I think at least, he must be considered as one of the most influential figures of the 20th century. Salinger created a symbol of change and a metaphor of youthful acceptance which, as his masterpiece gathered momentum, paved the way for new and modern thinking when it came to the real problems young people face.

Maybe it’s time for ‘catcher in the rye’ to become a real profession, saving innocent-minded youths from the evils of adulthood.