The Catcher in the Rye Chapters 21 & 22

ALL GROUPS SHOULD TIE IN A THEME, MOTIF, AND/OR SYMBOL IN THEIR PARAGRAPH RESPONSE AS WELL AS A DIRECT QUOTATION FROM THE TEXT. Include group members’ names and share paragraph with me.

Small Groups Group One – examine Holden’s response to Phoebe’s question about why he “got the ax again.” Draft a paragraph explaining in your own words why Holden dislikes Pencey so much. Relate what he says about the school to a theme, symbol, and/or motif that we have discussed in our study of the novel.

Group Two – consider the story that Holden tells Phoebe about Veterans’ Day at Pencey and the alum who asks if he can use the bathroom in their hall. Draft a paragraph about why you think this story so disturbing to Holden.

Group Three – draft a paragraph explaining the significance of Holden’s James Castle story.

Group Four – discuss Holden’s explanation of what turns out to be the title of the novel. Is it a metaphor? For what? Draft a paragraph that analyzes what Holden calls the “only thing I’d really like to be.”