What it really means to be American is a subject that fascinates American authors and readers. What makes up the American spirit, American culture, American identity, and American values ​​are questions that many authors answer and almost every author answers differently. In the novels Catch 22 by Joseph Heller and The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, the idea of ​​Americanism is explored in detail. Each novel presents a slightly different insight into what it really means to be American. Through the use of characters and narratives, the literary works Catch 22 and The Catcher in the Rye convey what their respective authors believe to be the American spirit, American culture, American identity, and American values. The novels Catch 22 and The Catcher in the Rye both convey what their authors believe to be the American spirit, through the actions and thoughts of their characters. In the novel Catch 22, Heller establishes the American spirit as the defense of what one passionately believes in and as a fighting spirit. Yossarian's fighting spirit and desire to defend his beliefs; therefore, showcases the American spirit. At the end of the novel, Yossarian decides to passionately defend his beliefs and fearlessly abandon the army. Although this may not at first seem to exemplify the American spirit, the satirical nature of the book creates an environment in which the military is the antagonist and Yossarian the protagonist. Therefore, although he fights authority, Yossarian passionately defends fairness and his own life; which is the quintessence of the American spirit as described by Heller. While explaining his intentions to leave, Yossarian enthusiastically declares: "I'm not running away... middle of paper ......e Rye each conveys what its respective authors think of the American spirit, of American culture, of America. American identity and values ​​through the use of characters and narratives. Each of the novels has a similar but different take on what exactly it means to be truly American. Americanism is explored in detail in both works, allowing for a comprehensive explanation of what it means to be American. The question of what it really means to be an American is interpreted and answered differently by hundreds of authors. Catch 22 and The Catcher in the Rye approach this question in slightly different ways, but manage to clarify what each author considers to be at the heart of American society. Works Cited Salinger, J.D. The Catcher in the Rye. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 1991. Print. Heller, Joseph. Catch 22. New York: Simon & Schuster Paperbacks, 2004. Printed.