The definition of “what it means to be an American” is difficult to delineate in exact terms; however, through the characters of Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye, Joseph Heller and J.D. Salinger manage to do just that. The American spirit, identity, culture, and values are four aspects of America that are at the core of what it means to be an American. The characters in Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye give the reader a solid foundation of what Americans are all about. Most Americans are independent, fun-loving, patriotic, and firm in their beliefs; however, some but few Americans are greedy and imbeciles. Through the works Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye, Heller and Salinger respectively use characters to show the true essence of being American through the American spirit, culture, identity and values. Deep within every American, a sense of American spirit and pride is contained. Since the birth of America, citizens have emphasized their love of independence, exploration, and new places, an aspect of American society that is evident in both Heller's Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye by Salinger. In Catch-22, the American spirit is conveyed through the new roommates that Yossarian acquires in chapter thirty-two. When Yossarian first glimpses the roommates, he thinks, "They were lively, enthusiastic, and exuberant [...] They were glad that the war had lasted long enough for them to find out what it was really like" (346). Heller notes that kids are excited to be in a new place and try new things, supporting the idea of the American spirit as kids are thrilled with the chance to be in a new place with a new environment, even if it's in the middle of a war. The same feeling of American spirit is expressed in Salinger's Catc...... middle of paper ...... Holden on the right path in life. Salinger places Mr. Spencer in the story to symbolize all the wise Americans, be they teachers, parents, or adults in general, who try to point children in the right direction, regardless of whether it is best for them or not. Unfortunately for Holden; however, Mr. Spencer's beliefs conflict with Holden's views in that he is not looking for the most excellent education in the most excellent school, he is looking for a place to belong; a house. Salinger creates a sense of the many American values in Catcher in the Rye by using characters who exemplify these values. In both Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye, Heller and Salinger offer the reader in-depth insight into what it truly means to be an American by weaving together the American spirit, identity, culture, and values through the characters' personalities and plot..
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