The Catcher in the Rye (2021)

Lesson 17
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ELA

Unit 11

10th Grade

Lesson 17 of 26

Objective


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

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

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger  — Chapter 16

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Target Task


Multiple Choice

Which best describes how Holden is feeling on p. 127?

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Sample Response

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How does the structure of the paragraph indicate Holden’s mood?

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Sample Response

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What theme does p. 128 (bottom) to p. 129 (top) reinforce?

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Sample Response

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Which two quotes, when taken together from pp. 128–129, best illustrate the above?

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Sample Response

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Writing Prompt

Explain how Holden’s thoughts on the displays of the “Indians” at the museum reveal theme. 

Key Questions


  • What is Holden doing at the beginning of the chapter? What is on Holden’s mind and why?
  • Note the length of the paragraphs on pp. 127–128. How is Salinger using the length of the paragraphs to help communicate Holden’s state of mind here? 
  • As you continue reading the chapter, make note of the ways Salinger plays with structure (paragraph length, sentence length, etc.) to convey information about Holden’s state of mind.
  • What theme does the first long paragraph on p. 127 reveal? 
  • What does Holden want to buy and why? What might this symbolize?
  • What makes Holden happy on pp. 128–129 and Why?
  • What does the structure of the text on p. 130 indicate about Holden? 
  • What is the only thing Holden liked about Hamlet? How is this similar to the Bible?
  • Track the details Holden notices about the park. What theme does this reinforce?
  • How does Holden treat the young girl and why?
  • Note the structure of the paragraphs on pp. 135–136.
  • How do Holden’s flashbacks to the museum visits as a kid help to reinforce theme?

Notes


  • Salinger refers to Hamlet in this chapter. Briefly clue students into the plot of Hamlet.
  • This chapter is full of long, rambling paragraphs, which convey Holden’s frantic state of mind. It may be helpful to dramatically read one aloud so students understand Salinger’s structure. 
  • Another important symbol—Phoebe’s record—appears in this chapter. 
  • If time is short, the final Target Task about the museum display can be left off or assigned as homework.

Next

Identify Holden’s changing emotions during his encounter with Sally.

Lesson 18
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