Why Is It Called Catcher in the Rye?

The book's title stems from a scene in Chapter 16 when Holden observes a young boy who, ignored by his parents, walks in the street while singing “If a body catch a body coming through the rye

coming through the rye

"Comin' Thro' the Rye" is a poem written in 1782 by Robert Burns (1759–1796). The words are put to the melody of the Scottish Minstrel "Common' Frae The Town". This is a variant of the tune to which "Auld Lang Syne" is usually sung—the melodic shape is almost identical, the difference lying in the tempo and rhythm.

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.” Holden interprets this scene as a perfect expression of the innocence of youth.

What's the meaning of The Catcher in the Rye?

The Catcher in the Rye takes the loss of innocence as its primary concern. Holden wants to be the “catcher in the rye”—someone who saves children from falling off a cliff, which can be understood as a metaphor for entering adulthood.

Why is Catcher in the Rye so controversial?

There have been many complaints made against The Catcher in the Rye. Many people feel that the book contains inappropriate offensive language, sexual content, occultism, and violence (“Banned Books Project”). Vulgarity is one complaint The Catcher in the Rye gets over and over again.