Salinger's Seclusion

After Salinger published his remarkable novels, he began to exclude himself from society and his social life. His inability to cope with a growing career seemed to be a prominent explanation for his seclusion. Salinger’s reclusive lifestyle appealed to various fans and interviewers. His mysterious attitude toward life was infatuating. Although his works were critically acclaimed, Salinger was unable to accept his newly acquired fame.

Prior to The Catcher in the Rye, Salinger released Franny and Zoey. Franny and Zoey held the record as the longest publications in the New Yorker. Salinger did not receive much recognition for Nine Stories. Salinger published a series of short stories called Nine Stories. Nine Stories was later published as a compilation. After The Catcher in the Rye’s roaring publication, Salinger faced fame and criticism. Many were opposed to his novel due to its’ lack of a religious resolution. Public schools disagreed with the novels suggestive themes and message. Because of this criticism, The Catcher in the Rye gained much more attention and recognition.

Salinger’s personal life was questionable and appealing. This appeal aided in his success. For quite some time, Salinger seemed to have a healthy social life. He often entertained at his New Hampshire home. For whatever reason, Salinger began to seclude himself from society and his career. Although he left his career in literature, his work has been embedded into the minds of supportive readers.

Salinger’s home in New Hampshire was quite intriguing. It contained striking similarities to the home described in The Catcher in the Rye by Holden Caulfield. This house contained no electric and was deeply hidden in the rolling hills of New Hampshire. This home became Salinger’s resort for the last forty years of his life. He rarely spoke to any interviewers or fans. When Salinger did agree to interviews, he answered with obvious sarcasm. Even when he agreed to these interviews, he would refuse to answer any questions about his prior works. In retrospect, Salinger used sarcasm, seclusion, and mystery to convey his perspective of life.