The Catcher in the Rye Many times in literature, the setting is particularly significant to the novel in terms of plot, themes, or characters. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger, takes place in 1950 New York City. The main character, Holden Caulfield, got expelled from school and goes into the city for a few days before returning home. He spent his time dealing with his feelings about growing up. The setting is significant …showed first 75 words of 495 total…

…showed last 75 words of 495 total…the setting was very important. It brought out Holden's insecure, childish side. The setting played an important role in causing Holden to have the negative feelings that he did about the world. Finally, it was crucial to Holden having his feelings of independence and of being grown-up. The setting dealt with all of these aspects of the book. Had it been set in a different time and place, the outcome would have been much different.