The Catcher in the Rye (2021)

Lesson 15
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ELA

Unit 11

10th Grade

Lesson 15 of 26

Objective


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.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger  — Chapter 14

  • Excerpt: The Bible (Contemporary English Version) (Luke 5:1-11)  — Luke 5:1-11

  • Excerpt: The Bible (Contemporary English Version) (Matthew 10)  — Matthew 10

  • Excerpt: The Bible (New Living Translation) (Mark 5)  — Mark 5

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Read the following excerpt from p. 112:

What central theme does this excerpt reinforce? Explain using details from the text.

Multiple Choice

What does the conflict on these pages mainly reveal about Sunny?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

How do both the Bible passages and the events of chapter 14 help to deepen the reader’s understanding of Holden? Explain using evidence from the novel and at least one biblical story.

Key Questions


Questions for Bible Passages:


Jesus Chooses His First Disciples:

  • How did Jesus convince the men to be his followers?
  • What does Jesus mean in the last paragraph?
  • Is Holden correct, then, that he picked them “randomly”?

Jesus Chooses His Twelve Apostles:

  • Explain the powers and tasks that Jesus bestowed upon his disciples. Be specific.
  • Is Holden right in thinking they were “as much use to him as a hole in the head”?

Jesus Heals a Demon-Possessed Man:

  • What was wrong with the “demon possessed man”?
  • Explain what Jesus did for the man.
  • What does Jesus ask the man to do in return?
  • Why do you think Holden liked this man? Think of his character traits.

The Catcher in the Rye:

  • Holden reveals another layer of his personality on p. 110, explain.
  • What is Holden recalling on p. 111? What does it reveal?
  • Why does Holden call himself an atheist?
  • Why doesn’t Holden like the disciples? What theme does this reinforce? Margin note.
  • How is Holden feeling on pp. 112–113?
  • What does the conflict mainly reveal about Sunny?
  • Describe what Holden’s wishes are on pp. 116–117. What does this reveal about his state of mind?

Notes


In order to finish this lesson in one class period, the Bible passages could be read in groups as a “jigsaw” activity. Students can be placed in groups of three, read their respective passages, and share to the group. “The Legion” is the hardest of the three, so assign this to the higher-level student in each group. 

Next

Independently analyze Salinger’s characterization of Holden in this chapter.

Lesson 16
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