The Catcher in the Rye

Lesson 21
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ELA

Unit 6

10th Grade

Lesson 21 of 26

Objective


Distinguish between Holden’s fears and anxiety based on information from a nonfiction source. 

Readings and Materials


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Target Task


Writing Prompt

Based on the findings in the study, explain what is motivating Holden on p. 154. Use evidence from the study and the text to support your answer.

Key Questions


Chapter 20:

  • Describe Holden’s mental state at the beginning of the chapter.
  • What is Holden fantasizing about on p. 166?
  • Why does Salinger change Holden’s dialect on pp. 166–167?
  • What can we infer from Holden’s call to Sally based on Sally’s words?
  • What do the man’s words in the bathroom on p. 169 indicate about Holden? 
  • Identify the two symbols that appear on pp. 169–170.
  • What happens in the middle of p. 170 and why is this significant?
  • Where does Holden go on pp. 170–171? Track all diction Holden uses to describe this place as he walks in.

“The Complexity of Fear”:

  • According to Mary C. Lamia, what is fear?
  • According to paragraph 1, which of the following is true of phobias?
  • Based on the information in the paragraph 3, what is the main difference between fear and anxiety?
  • Is Holden driven by fear or anxiety?

Notes


  • Students should come in having read at least the first half (to p. 170) of chapter 20 and answered the guiding questions. 
  • Students should read the article and the use the information in the article to generate a discussion on whether or not Holden is motivated by fear (immediate danger) or anxiety. Students should use evidence from both the text and the article in the discussion.
  • Students should finish chapter 20 for homework if they have not yet done so.
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Lesson 20

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Lesson 22

Lesson Map

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