Abstract：

This paper seeks to find the relationship of the self-salvation of the Beat Generation and that of the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye in the perspective of Zen Buddhism which has profoundly influenced many major figures of the Beat Generation in their self-salvation. Based on the study of the two representatives who were deeply influenced by Zen Buddhism, this paper seeks to find the influence of the Zen Buddhism on their thoughts and their works, and compares it to the self-salvation reflected in the protagonist, Holden, of The Catcher in the Rye, and the conclusion that the self-salvation reflected in The Catcher in the Rye accords with that of the Beat Generation is drawn.

Key words:  

Beat Generation Zen Buddhism self-salvation

Contents

Abstract

摘要

Introduction-3

1-The Two Representatives of Beat Writers Influenced by Zen Buddhism and Their Salvation-3

1.1-Jack Kerouac and His Salvation-4

1.2-Allen Ginsberg and His Salvation-5

2-The Reason Why Holden Needed Salvation-6

2.1-The Typical Characteristics of Holden’s Age-6

2.2-Holden’s Love for His Little Sister-9

3-The Similarity Between Holden’s Self-salvation and That of the Beat Generation’s-10

3.1-Desire to Get Detached from the Society and Find Peace-11

3.2-The Value of Natural Affiliation and Importance of Being Detached and Peaceful-12

Conclusion-14

Bibliography-14

Acknowledgments-16