The Catcher in the Rye (2021)

Lesson 16
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 11

10th Grade

Lesson 16 of 26

Objective


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

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger  — Chapter 15

Fishtank Plus

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

Target Task


Multiple Choice

With which character from Romeo and Juliet does Holden most empathize?

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

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Which best explains why Holden feels this way?

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

Sample Response

Upgrade to Fishtank Plus to view Sample Response.

Writing Prompt

Explain how Salinger uses the events of chapter 15 to further characterize Holden. Use evidence to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What is the narrator’s tone throughout this chapter?
  • What does paragraph 1 mainly suggest about the narrator?
  • Based on page 117, what is the main reason Holden calls Sally?
  • What are Holden’s thoughts on suitcases? What is the main reason Salinger includes Holden’s thoughts on suitcases?
  • What do the details on pp. 120–121 mainly emphasize about Holden’s relationship to money and status?
  • Which character from Romeo and Juliet does Holden empathize with? Why?
  • How do the nuns surprise Holden? How do his interactions with the nuns challenge his ideas about religion? About adults?
  • What does the end of the chapter reinforce about Holden?

Notes


  • The teacher may wish to begin class with the clip of Mercutio’s death from the film Romeo and Juliet. Ask students to recall why Mercutio died. (as a result of the corruption of two selfish families; he was just a victim
  • The teacher may then wish to leave it to students on their own to read the chapter and draw the connection between Holden and Mercutio. 
  • It is recommended that students read independently and answer questions on their own during today’s lesson. Doing so can provide teachers with an accurate assessment of students’ analysis and skills going into the final three weeks of the unit. The teacher may wish to turn some of the key questions into additional multiple-choice questions or require students to answer them all in writing. Potentially, a teacher can use 2 days to complete this.

Next

Explain how Salinger uses structure to communicate Holden’s state of mind.

Analyze and explain how the displays at the museum reveal theme. 

Lesson 17
icon/arrow/right/large

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?

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We Handle Materials So You Can Focus on Students

We've got you covered with rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free