Key Concepts in Key Concepts in Catcher in the RyeCatcher in the Rye

By J.D. SalingerBy J.D. Salinger

Adults vs. KidsAdults vs. Kids►What is the hardest reality to face What is the hardest reality to face

when you grow up? when you grow up?

Innocence vs. SexInnocence vs. Sex►At what point does sex become a part At what point does sex become a part

of our lives? Is this the same point of our lives? Is this the same point that our innocence is lost?that our innocence is lost?

►Can innocence be “lost” or is that just Can innocence be “lost” or is that just a misconception?a misconception?

►Can sex be “found” if innocence can Can sex be “found” if innocence can be “lost”?be “lost”?

Life vs. DeathLife vs. Death►How do we define “living”?How do we define “living”?►How do we define “death”?How do we define “death”?►How do children and adults view How do children and adults view

death?death?►Do children have it right, or adults?Do children have it right, or adults?

Phony vs. RealPhony vs. Real►Who is more tolerant of “phonies”… Who is more tolerant of “phonies”…

adults or kids?adults or kids?►What is your definition of a phony? What is your definition of a phony?

CensorshipCensorship►Do you agree or disagree with the idea Do you agree or disagree with the idea

of censorship?of censorship?►What are the dangers involved in What are the dangers involved in

allowing or not allowing censorship?allowing or not allowing censorship?►What would be an acceptable criteria What would be an acceptable criteria

for censorship?for censorship?