Journal RequirementsFront Cover: Author/Title + Images that

represent Holden + Symbols/Motifs

Children/Adolescents/Adults: Create a chart that

allows you to keep track of the children,

adolescents, and adults that appear throughout the

novel. Discuss how these characters are described

to act, etc.

Journal Requirements

Double Entry Journal: For each chapter, select two quotes to discuss and analyze. When analyzing the quote, discuss how it relates to the themes, characters, symbols, or motifs of the novel.

Background

Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, was published in 1951.

It is the story of a boy named Holden Caulfield, a troubled teenager, who is dissatisfied with life and society.

Holden Caulfield has become the archetype for the angry and alienated teenager.

The Catcher in the The Catcher in the RyeRye

Has sold over 65 million copies world wide

Despite its popular success, the critical response to The Catcher in the Rye was slow in getting underway.

One of the most frequently challenged books in library history because of sex and vulgar language.

Named one of the best novels of the 20th century by Time Magazine.

Reasons for Banning? Reasons for Banning? Until 2006, Catcher was one of the most frequently banned books. Mark David Chapman (assassin of John Lennon) and John Hinckley Jr. (attempted assassin of President Ronald Reagan) both had copies of the book in their pockets when they were arrested.

Catcher & John Lennon:

On December 8, 1980 Mark David Chapman killed John Lennon outside his Dakota apartment building.

He was carrying a copy of The Catcher in the Rye with him at the time of the murder and even sat down and read a few pages following the shooting, while waiting for the police to arrive.

He was obsessed with the book and Holden Caulfield and believed that the book expressed who he was. He thought of himself as a catcher in the rye and thought he needed to kill John Lennon, who he saw as a “phony”.

Part of his statement following the murder is as follows:

Then this morning I went to the bookstore and bought The Catcher in the Rye. I’m sure the large part of me is Holden Caulfield, who is the main person in the book. The small part of me must be the Devil.

The Catcher in the The Catcher in the RyeRye

Tells the story of a teenager expelled from his high school and his journey across NYC in the 1950’s.Issues discussed in the book include: school, teachers, music, sex, alcohol, hypocrisy, family, and being a teenager.A story is about Holden Caulfield, the 16 year old protagonist of the novel, and his experiences in school and New York City. The book is written from his point of view, following his thoughts and memories. As a result, the reader must decide what is real and what is being distorted.

Similarities between J.D. Similarities between J.D. Salinger Salinger and and Catcher in the RyeCatcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger attended prep schools in

NYC and flunked out of McBurney School at 13

He attended Valley Forge Military Academy and graduated at 15

He has been referred to as a terrible liar, though this is difficult to prove/disprove

Alienation from society– Salinger seems determined to keep his life private from outsiders.

Course Themes Course Themes Within Within CatcherCatcher

BILDUNGSROMAN

Conformity vs. Resistance

Identity Formation

Perception of Truth

Changes in Values over Time

Watch for these themes during your reading of the novel. You will be expected to pull examples of each theme out of the novel.

SymbolsLook for particular objects, clothing choices, and locations that may serve as symbols throughout the novel.

Motifs

Loneliness

Relationships, Intimacy, and Sexuality

Lying and Deception

What to look for while What to look for while reading?reading?

This novel is a character study of Holden.

Analyze Holden’s motivations, his personality, and his mental stability.

What’s Holden’s deal? Is there something wrong with him (is he crazy?) or is he a just a normal teenager?

Holden’s Psychological Traits

Exaggeration

Depression

Isolation/Alienation

Violent Outbursts

Lying

Nervousness

Fantasy World

Emotional Instability

Immature Relationships w/ Women

Hypocrisy