The Catcher in the Rye

Lesson 14
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 6

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

Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

Why does Holden feel he is yellow? Explain.

Multiple Choice

Holden tells Sunny lies because:

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

The above further reinforces Holden’s:

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

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. 
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 13

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 15

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free