April 21

Holden's voice is unique, or at least it was unique in literature in 1951 when The  Catcher in the Rye was published. No doubt you've encountered other similar voices in novels, films, and music that were written after this pivotal novel introduced the disillusioned teen to the world. For example, in the 1955 film Rebel Without  a Cause, James Dean plays a character that is reminiscent of Holden, and more contemporary films like Igby Goes Down do the same.

Here's a familiar story told in the voice of Holden. I think that you'll like it.

The Catch Her in the Oatmeal--Goldilocks, as told by Holden Caulfield

Assignment: In a group of 1-4, write your own story in the voice of Holden. Anything goes. Make it good, though. The top story in class (as judged by you) will receive 10/10, the next two 9/10, and the rest 8/10. Have fun!

Ongoing assignments for The Catcher in the Rye:

1. Jot down examples of the following:

Things Holden Hates               Things That Depress Holden            Things Holden Likes

Brief references are fine, but include page numbers. I'm guessing that you'll end up with about ten things he hates, five things that depress him, and three things that he likes. That's just a guess, though.

2. For the next few days, part of the period will be spent looking into the quesion:
Is Holden a normal teenager? To understand this, we will look into some resources dealing with mental disorders as well as normal teenage rebellion. More or less, what we're doing here is a debate version of the District Writing Assessment (please don't tune me out upon hearing those words!).
Take 1/3 - 1/2 page or so of notes on each of the following sources. You only need to write down important points that might relate to Holden. 

How Do We Define Normal?

In class we will take notes on the following source documents:
Notes 1/3 page: Understanding and Surviving Your Teenager's Rebellion
BPD test: Do I Have Borderline Personality Disorder?
Notes 1/3 page: Bipolar Disorder Overview YouTube video: Bipolar Overview
Notes 1/3 page: Is Holden a Typical Teenager? Holden Caulfield As a Typical Teenager  (Currie (2007)

Your homework for the next three nights is to read three additional articles, two of which are listed below. You will need to find a third article on your own. I'd recommend choosing an article that clarifies just what it is to be a "normal" teenager.
Notes 1/3 page: Is My Teen's Behavior Normal?
Notes 1/3 page: Mental Disorders in America
Your Article or YouTube Video


The Fault in Our Stars by John Green is heavily influenced by Salinger's writing style. We will listen to ten minutes of the book, and as you listen, jot down five examples from the book that seem to you to be influenced by Salinger.
The Fault in Our Stars, read by John Green himself

Songs that Holden might like:
Mad World by Gary Jules (originally by Tears for Fears)
Brick by Boring Brick by Paramore
The End by Mayday Parade
The Kill by 30 Seconds To Mars

Many students say that they can relate to Holden.