A psychoanalytic approach to Salinger's works

A psychoanalytic approach to the works of J. D. Salinger, who was one of the most celebrated writers of contemporary American fiction, cherished mostly by the youth of his time, makes us understand the reader?s interest as the source of pleasure the reader gets from a literary text has been one of the main topics of discussion of the critics since ancient times. When we accept the idea that each text contains a fantasy level that is hidden from our conscious understanding, by discovering the latent content of the works of Salinger, we can attain the effect that created a devoted group of fans around the world, despite the harsh criticisms made on behalf of the limitations of Salinger?s artistic talent. In this respect, this thesis contains the main characteristics that we can find nearly in all of Salinger's works, such as giving place to autobiographical elements; the connections he makes between himself and his characters; the choice of some recurrent themes and symbols; the need for isolation; and the intention to deliver spiritual messages. Furthermore, the study employs a psychoanalytic approach to uncover the unconscious motives and feelings of the author and the characters created by him, in order to find the presence of classic psychoanalytic symptoms, conditions and phases of the developmental process including personality disorders. Finally, combining these with the knowledge of Salinger about his condition by giving several references to psychoanalysis in his works, it is intended to reveal the therapeutic effect of writing in Salinger?s life and the reflection of this effect on his readers.