* Early Exposure to Literature: Salinger grew up in a family that valued literature. His mother, a voracious reader, instilled a love of books in him, and he began writing stories at a young age.
* Military Experience: Serving in World War II deeply affected Salinger. His experiences in combat and his encounters with different cultures likely sparked his interest in exploring themes of war, trauma, and the complexities of human nature.
* Influence of Other Writers: Salinger was heavily influenced by writers like Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and William Faulkner, who explored similar themes of alienation, disillusionment, and the search for authenticity.
* Personal Struggles: Salinger struggled with anxiety and depression throughout his life, which may have fueled his desire to express his inner world through writing.
* A Sense of Purpose: It seems Salinger felt a strong sense of purpose as a writer. He believed he had something important to say about the world and felt a responsibility to share his perspective.
While we can't know for sure what motivated Salinger to pursue a career as a writer, it's clear that a confluence of factors, including his early experiences, his personal struggles, and the influence of other writers, contributed to his literary journey.