1. Explain why you believe the setting is important to the story.

I believe that the setting in The Catcher in the Rye is extremely important and symbolic for many reasons. Most of the book takes place in 1940s post-war New York City, where Holden goes "to rest" in a hotel before returning home, and ends up wandering the streets mid town for three days. I think the fact that it was set in New York City is important because it was based around the time of World War II, this is important because New York City is one of the more populated and known cities in America. There are also many references that the author makes that he would not have been able to do if it were set in another area of the United-States. For example in Manhattan Holden encounters the post-war scene, with New Yorkers and the unquestionable centre of finance and trade (many of the great European cities were in ruins). At night, the city's music clubs and bars are packed with people: New Yorkers, visitors, college kids, and returned soldiers and sailors all having a good time and celebrating. By day, Holden takes us to some of city's most famous landmarks such as Grand Central Station, the largest train station in the world, Broadway, Rockefeller Centre and many more. New York city is such a historic landmark for the United-States and the atmosphere that the city gives you is non-replaceable and for that, I think the authors choice of setting the novel in New York City was brilliant.