The definition of “what it means to be an American” is difficult to describe in exact terms; however, through the characters of Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye, Joseph Heller and JD Salinger manage to do just that. The American spirit, identity, culture, and values ​​are four aspects of America that form the basis of what it means to be an American. The characters in Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye provide the reader with a solid foundation of what Americans are like. Most Americans are independent, fun-loving, patriotic, and firm in their beliefs; however, some Americans, but few in number, are greedy and fools. Through the works Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye, Heller and Salinger respectively use characters to showcase the true essence of being American through the American spirit, culture, identity, and values. pride is contained. Since America's birth, 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 Yossarian acquires in chapter thirty-two. When Yossarian first sees the roommates, he thinks, "They were lively and enthusiastic and exuberant [...] They were happy that the war had lasted long enough for them to discover what it was really like" (346). . . Heller notes that boys are excited to be in a new place and try new things, supporting the idea of ​​the American spirit in that boys are excited about 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 Catc...... middle of paper...... Holden on the right path in Salinger's life. Salinger places Mr. Spencer in the story to symbolize all wise Americans, whether teachers, parents, or adults in general, who try to point children in the right direction, whether that is what is best for them. children or not. Unfortunately for Holden; However, Mr. Spencer's beliefs conflict with Holden's own views in that he is not looking for the best education at the most excellent school, he is looking for a place to belong; a house. Salinger creates an idea of ​​the many American values ​​in Catcher in the Rye by using characters that exemplify these values. Throughout Catch-22 and Catcher in the Rye, Heller and Salinger give the reader keen insight into what it truly means to be American by interweaving the American spirit, identity, culture, and values ​​through personality. characters and storyline..