What to expect from the catcher in the

What to Expect in The Catcher in the

Rye A coming-of-age novel that is one of the

most frequently taught books in schools, and one of the most frequently

banned books in schools.

Journal #7: Growing Pains

As we all know, growing up is hard to do.

Identify at least 10 challenges that we all face when making the transition from childhood to adulthood.

As adolescents yourselves, you should have no problem identifying these challenges!

Choose 2 challenges that you listed and explain, in some detail, how these challenges have played a part in your own life.

How do you deal with the “pains” of growing up?

What is the hardest part about being an adolescent?

Holden Caulfield, the main character, narrates the book. The book takes place mainly in New York City, in the

post-WWII era. He is an unreliable narrator –meaning we see all from

his perspective, which isn’t necessarily the right perspective, or the way we would see things on our own.

He whines, complains, and has very strong opinions, and he calls people “phonies”…a LOT.

However, he is an adolescent with issues that we can all identify with.

You may find him annoying, and you probably won’t agree with everything that he does, however, we are going to try to understand Holden as best we can.

What should I expect?

Why is it so controversial?

SEXUALITY

UNDERAGE DRINKING

PROSTITUTION

CROSS-DRESSING

HOMOPHOBIAVIOLENCE

FIGHTING CHAIN SMOKING

VULGARITY

FOUL LANGUAGE

COMPULSIVE LYING

MENTAL ILLNESS

DEATH

DEPRESSION

Most of these topics are not described explicitly, but are

mentioned in the novel in context. The language is mature, but not anything you wouldn’t hear

day-to-day in a typical high school. We have to be aware that these issues are issues we must all

deal with, and be mature about. Some of Holden’s habits, like chain smoking, may seem a bit

extreme, which they are– but consider that this was a different time period, and certain things were deemed more socially acceptable.

Holden Caulfield has problems dealing with growing up and the “phoniness” of the adult world.

He much prefers children to adults, because he appreciates their innocence and purity.

The loss of innocence is a major topic in this novel.

The big picture…

What does “the loss of

innocence” mean to you? Can you think of any examples

of innocence being lost?

What does it mean to you?

Is it inevitable that we conform to the

world and society around us? Is it possible to grow up without becoming

a phony? Can a person grow up and maintain his/her

innocence?

The Essential Questions:

The Search for Identity