Your Journal: Additional Requirements

1. Your Journal: Additional Requirements • For your FRONT COVER, draw a picture that represents Holden Caulfield – be sure he is dressed as Holden dresses and include common quotations that Holden speaks. • For your BACK COVER, draw some of the symbols from the novel and include analysis of their importance in the novel.

2. Your Journal: Additional Requirements • Pages 1-2 of your Journal: Keep a Character Chart where you note all of the recurring characters in the story. Make note of the page number where you first meet each character, and write 3-4 details about each as you read. • Pages 3-4 of your Journal: Keep track of Holden’s “I am” statements. Include examples from throughout the novel. • “I'm not going to tell you my whole G-D autobiography or anything” (1). • “I'm quite a heavy smoker, for one thing-that is, I used to be” (5). • “I'm quite a nervous guy” (36). • From Page 5 on: Keep your double-entry journal (at least one page per chapter).

3. Catcher in the Rye: Journal Requirements • For this novel, you will each create a “Double-Entry Journal” • You must have at least TWO (2) quotations from each chapter • Use the left side of the journal to record the quotations; use the right side of the journal for reflection and critical analysis. • Be sure to choose quotations that reflect characterization, symbolism, and theme.

6. Bellwork: Society through the eyes of a teen • Teens who are angry at, or express a feeling of alienation towards, society are often ridiculed as immature or overly emotional. However, most honest people will admit feeling similar emotions at one time or another. • Quickwrite/discussion: What qualities in society, or people in general, upset you? How do you cope with what you feel? Do we need to change the way we treat one another? In what ways?

7. Conformist + Phony: Definitions? Conformist: To be similar or identical To be obedient or compliant To act in accordance with customs or norms Phony: Not genuine or real; fake Dishonest Compare and contrast the two- Which is better? Worse? ______ is to be ______ while _______ is _____. Being ______ has a more positive connotation because ______

8. The Catcher in the Rye J.D. Salinger

9. Background • The Catcher in the Rye was published in 1951 by J.D. Salinger (RIP!) • It is the story of a troubled teenage boy, Holden Caulfield, who is dissatisfied with life and society. • Holden Caulfield has become an archetype for the angry and alienated teenager. • The novel is written from Holden’s point of view, following his thoughts and memories. As a result, readers must decide what is real and what is distorted.

10. About the Author: J.D. Salinger • Lived from January 1, 1919 to January 27, 2010. • Served in World War II and published The Catcher in the Rye a few years after returning from service. He had to be hospitalized for post-traumatic stress. • Published his last book in 1963, preferring to stay away from society. He continued to write privately, but he rarely granted interviews and did not allow his own work to be published or have biographies written about him. • Prevented The Catcher in the Rye from becoming a movie and sued writers who tried to publish unofficial sequels to the book.

11. The Catcher in the Rye Published in 1951 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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. The Catcher in the Rye 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.

15. Similarities between J.D. Salinger and Catcher 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.

16. Setting • The story takes place over the course of three days from Holden’s time at the fictional Pencey Prep School in Pennsylvania to his adventures through New York City. • The year is either 1948 or 1949, a few years after World War II and the dropping of the atomic bombs. • Holden is one of the witnesses of America’s growth as world power and consumerist society.

17. Themes • The Catcher in the Rye is a novel written from a teenage boy’s perspective, so readers must be able to take his experiences and figure out their deeper meaning. The novel mainly focuses on these subjects: • Innocence • Phoniness • Alienation • Corruption • Happiness / Fulfillment • Sexuality • Knowledge

18. Course Themes Within Catcher 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.

19. Symbolism • There are several notable symbols throughout the novel. As you read, be sure to look out for objects, people, and events that may have a hidden significance. Some include: • Holden’s red hunting hat • Baseball mitt • Ducks • The “Catcher in the Rye” poem • Museum • Notebook • Carousel

20. Motifs • Loneliness • Relationships, Intimacy, and Sexuality • Lying and Deception

21. What to look for while 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?