"It kills me." This frequent response from Holden Caulfield summarizes J.D. Salinger's feelings about the post World War II Society. Characterized as a wealthy, materialistic society, the 1950's were a time of extravagant living. The booming post-war society prospered from the increased government spending and burgeoning consumerism. Although many adults enjoyed this posh society, some young adolescents balked at its superficiality. Some teenagers of the fifties did not want to grow up to join this society. Holden Caulfield, through his exasperation with communication, resentment of falsities, and adoration of children, exemplifies this youth culture. Throughout Catcher in the Rye, J. D. Salinger uses Holden's voice to criticize the post World War II society.

Salinger uses Holden's frustration with conversation to criticize the superficiality of the people in his society. Conversation usually enables people to communicate and form relationships, but for Holden, conversation is no more than "chucking...