ALIENATION, IDENTITY, AND THE ENHANCEMENT OF ESL STUDENTS' CRITICAL THINKING THROUGH THE CATCHER IN THE RYE BY JEROME DAVID SALINGER

Abstract

This article examines the themes of alienation, identity, and adolescent rebellion in The Catcher in the Rye by

Jerome David Salinger (1951) and analyzes its educational value for ESL students. The study focuses on the psychological journey of the protagonist Holden Caulfield as a symbol of teenage disillusionment, authenticity, and the struggle for self-identity in post-war American society. In addition, the article explores how the novel contributes to vocabulary development, reading comprehension, communication skills, and critical thinking among English as a Second Language learners. Through reflective and literary analysis, the article demonstrates that Salinger's novel functions not only as a coming-of-age narrative but also as an effective educational resource for language learning. The findings suggest that literature-based instruction can enhance lexical resources and encourage moral reflection in ESL classrooms.