The Catcher in the Rye

Holden hires a prostitute but declines sex; contains persistent references to sexual experiences and 'perverts'.

Includes a fistfight between Holden and his roommate, and Holden being punched by a pimp.

Frequent use of 'hell' and 'damn' along with over 200 instances of the f-word.

Frequent and casual misuse of 'God' and 'Jesus Christ' as expletives throughout the narrative.

Underage characters engage in heavy chain-smoking and frequent consumption of alcohol in bars.

Holden experiences a nervous breakdown and mentions a classmate's suicide by jumping from a window.

Generally not a horror book, though Holden's mental instability and social isolation are unsettling.

Occult themes and practices are absent from this realistic fiction novel.

Holden expresses anxiety regarding 'flits' or homosexuals and fears an advances from a former teacher.

Promotes a cynical, relativistic outlook centered on individual authenticity and rejection of traditional social structures.

Holden expresses skepticism toward organized religion, the disciples, and the sincerity of ministers.

Holden shows mild protective instincts toward his sister, though he mostly retreats from challenges.

No Christian faith is practiced; Holden describes himself as an atheist or vaguely spiritual skeptic.

Features a genuine, protective brotherly affection for his younger sister, Phoebe.

Holden mostly harbors resentment toward others, showing more judgment than grace or repentance.