January 16 Lesson: The Catcher in the Rye

January 16, 2013

The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger

Essential Question: What are some of the important themes of the novel?

Do Now ( 5 minutes ): To start off a discussion of our recent reading, think about the theme of childhood versus adulthood in respect to Holden Caulfield. Holden belongs in neither of these two worlds (as do many adolescents find themselves betwixt). How do you think phoniness relates to the evil world of the adults, according to Holden. What actions tie him to childhood? Identify one instance of “adult” behavior on the part of Holden and two examples of what might be seen as holden’s child-like behavior.

Discuss as a whole group.

Think-Pair-Share. In pairs consider the line of question in the do-now. Take the discussion a step further by identifying Holden’s adult or child-like behavior towards others and particular situations. Holden connects with both kids his own age and with adults. Holden has shared some particulars of his past reactions and behaviors. Identify the particularities of his interaction with them and his response to the situations identified. Identify whether he is acting like an adult or a child ( two or three complete sentences in response to each as we will develop this work further).

1. Mr. Spencer
2. Stradlater
3. Ackley
4. In response to Allie’s death (pgs. 38-39)
5. In response to getting kicked out of Pencey

Read, pgs. 53-88. 

Think about the following:

Seemingly, Holden Caulfield has talents as a writer. Stradlater brow beats him into writing a descriptive essay for him. Holden winds up writing an essay on his brother Allie’s baseball mitt, but a description of “a room or a house, would have been more to Stradlater’s liking. As the first of a series of journal entries in response to our novel, think about a place where you go when you need a “break” or a “time-out” from the world. Holden mentions the duck pond in Central Park as a place to get away from it all. Spend at least 10-15 minutes in this place in fact or in mind. Be prepared to describe this place in writing in detail tomorrow in class. Think about what you see, feel, hear, smell, and why you would visit this place.