Reception of The Catcher in the Rye

Abstract

This bachelor work deals with a recent trend of censorship of literature in the United States. The trend may also be called a "textbook or literature activism". The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger serves as an example novel to demonstrate certain methods used by contemporary censors. The first part of the work explains key words censorship and literature activism; it also characterizes groups of people demanding censorship and their reasons for book challenges. Next part recalls the then-reception of the novel and shows various approaches of critics. The third part describes the mystery of the novel and the conspiracy theory, in which the book is reputedly involved. Finally, the last part confronts some of Holden's controversial quotations with his censors' opinions.