The Catcher in the Rye (2021)

Lesson 14
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ELA

Unit 11

10th Grade

Lesson 14 of 26

Objective


Explain why Holden feels he is “yellow” and use that explanation to predict Holden’s behavior later in the chapter.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger  — Chapter 13

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Why does Holden feel he is yellow? Explain.

Multiple Choice

Holden tells Sunny lies because:

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Sample Response

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The above further reinforces Holden’s:

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

How does Holden’s “yellowness” impact his interaction with Sunny? Explain using evidence from the text.

Key Questions


  • Why does Holden put on his red hat at the beginning of this chapter? What does it symbolize? 
  • What insecurity does Holden reveal on p. 99?
  • In chapter 13 Holden hires a prostitute named Sunny. Based off our hypothesis of Holden’s insecurity, predict how this encounter will go.
  • What is Holden confused by at the bottom of p. 101?
  • What does the man offer Holden and how does Holden respond?
  • What is Holden doing at the bottom of p. 102?
  • What does Holden reveal on p. 103?
  • Find evidence in the long paragraph on p. 103 that Holden is sensitive with girls.
  • Why does Holden say he wants a prostitute to come by?
  • What does the prostitute’s behavior on pp. 106–107 indicate about her age?
  • Identify Holden’s lies on p. 108.
  • Why does he lie?
  • Track evidence of Holden’s “yellowness” on pp. 107–109.
  • Explain if our hypothesis about Holden held true. 

Notes


  • Begin class with a reading quiz and then a review of Ernie’s bar scene. 
  • Early on in this chapter, Holden confesses he is “yellow.” Be sure to explain this idiom and then ask students to predict how his encounter with the prostitute will go based on Holden’s confession.
  • Special Note: In this chapter, Holden states that when girls say no, most guys keep going. This statement will generate some concern and should be addressed. 

Next

Explain the impact religion has on Holden’s thoughts by using information from biblical stories.

Explain what the conflict in this chapter reveals about Holden and Sunny both.

Lesson 15
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Lesson Map

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