Not many great novels were produced during the post World War II era. Perhaps the greatest novel published was J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye. This book, just like all other great works, was met by scathing criticism and unyielding praise. Many literary critics marveled at Salinger’s genius use of language to make Holden Caulfield, the main character, unbelievably realistic. Through Holden’s thoughts and dialogues, Salinger successfully created a teenage boy. Because of that The Catcher in the Rye became one of the few great post World War II works. The language used in The Catcher in the Rye has been a topic of controversy in the literary critic’s realm. Hold