The Catcher in the Rye

Lesson 9
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ELA

Unit 6

10th Grade

Lesson 9 of 26

Objective


Explain how Salinger’s description of the hotel reveals theme. 

Write a clear and effective thesis statement in response to a prompt.

Readings and Materials


  • Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J. D. Salinger  — Chapter 9

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Target Task


Writing Prompt

How does Salinger’s description of the hotel in this chapter reveal theme? Use evidence to support your answer.

Key Questions


  • What does Holden have a desire to do on p. 66 and what does this indicate?
  • What does Holden’s experience in the phone booth illustrate?
  • What does Holden worry about while talking to the cab driver on p. 67? Why do you think this is?
  • Why does Holden put on his red hunting cap when he goes into the hotel? Make an inference.
  • Track all of Holden’s descriptions of the hotel. What do they reveal about people behind closed doors? How does this make Holden feel?

Notes


  • Class should begin with a reading quiz of Chapter 8. 
  • Students should include the word “juxtaposition” in their response for the Target Task. 
  • Although it is not the Target Task in class, this is also the first chapter in which Holden worries about the ducks in Central Park. Students should recognize this as a recurring motif. 
  • Students should also recognize the description of the hotel as a clear example of corruption. Salinger juxtaposes their outside identities with their twisted inside identities. Viewing this upsets Holden, which reinforces the central theme of corruption ruining the views of a child.
  • This is also a good time to analyze the last thesis statements (for “A&P”) and make thesis statements the focus for this writing.
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Lesson 10

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