Cherished and Cursed: Toward a Social History of "The Catcher in the Rye"
New Books in American Studies
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Legacy of a Literary Hermit
This chapter examines the public reception of a reclusive author's legacy following their death, particularly focusing on J.D. Salinger and his renowned work 'The Catcher in the Rye.' The conversation contrasts Salinger's hermit-like existence with the expectations of visibility from public figures and analyzes the lasting impact of his literature on youth culture and the themes of alienation. It highlights the tensions between an author's personal privacy and the ongoing relevance of their literary contributions in contemporary society.
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