Here is a brief overview of the context of the book The Catcher In The Rye.
President Franklin D. Roosevelt died in office on April 12, 1945, making Vice President Harry S Truman President. From that time in 1945 until the election in 1948, Truman devoted much time converting a wartime economy to a peacetime economy and demobilizing millions of soldiers and sailors, spearheading efforts to create the United Nations, and dealing with the Soviet Union’s efforts to control Eastern Europe.
Here are a few more examples of themes associated with this time period:
Here are a few more examples of themes associated with this time period:
Economic Prosperity
The Catcher in the Rye takes place in a historical time period after World War II. As soldiers began to return from the war, jobs began to fill in, and life begans to return to normal. Industry boomed and goods are being produced. America faces rapid economic growth and its people enjoys the prosperity of this time period.
Women Break Through Traditional Stereotypes
During World War II, since women filled in the men's job while men were away being soldiers, life after the war changed for women. Women began to discard that traditional role of the stay-at-home lady that does the laundry, knits and cooks all day. As life after the war began to unfold, women began to start careers, they began to socialize. In the Catcher in the Rye, the women go to dances and parties and watch Broadway shows. These events show that women in this time period are no longer as tied down by the traditional stereotypes as they were prior to the war.
Growth in Education
Aside from the rapid growth of the economy, this time period also faces rapid growth in education as life began to prosper after the war. After World War II, people began to find the need for an education. Because of this, America faces a large number of people in school and valuing education.
For a detailed history on the life of the author: J.D. Salinger, here is an article on Sparknotes: