Introduction to J.D Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye

The author of The Catcher in the Rye 1919 – 2011 (92 y.o.) Served during WWII Wrote several books about young people including Franny and Zoey and The Catcher in the Rye Has not granted an interview since 1980!

The Catcher in the Rye – the Book published in 1951 Has sold over 65 million copies worldwide - that’s more than the dictionary!65 million copies Has been translated into many different languages

The Catcher in the Rye – the Plot This book tells the story of a teenager expelled from his high school and his 48 hour journey across NYC in the 50s This book deals with school, alcohol, sex, teachers, music, family, hypocrisy and being a teenager. the plot is narrated in a “stream-of- consciousness” style

The Catcher in the Rye – Controversy one of the most frequently challenged books in library history (American Library Association) because of vulgar language and sex.American Library Association Mark David Chapman and John Hinckley, Jr. both had the book in their pocket when they were arrested.

The Catcher in the Rye - Praise Time Magazine named it one of the best novels of the 20 th century. Time Magazine The Modern Library named it one of the 100 best novels The Modern Library The novel has been praised by countless other critics as well.

Making Predictions and Inferences Who is this? How old is he? What do you notice about him? How do you think he feels and why do you think that? Now let’s see if our predictions were right!!!

Who is Holden Caulfield? Holden Caulfield is the main character of The Catcher in the Rye Holden is 16 years old He has a kid sister named Phoebe He thinks many people are “phonies” What else can we tell about Holden from this picture?

The Music of the Catcher in the Rye The main character, Holden, listens to Jazz music In the 50’s and 60’s Jazz was popular with teens, like Rock or Rap today Teens went to clubs to listen to Jazz music. Click on the video to hear a Jazz song by John Coltrane at the Village Vanguard (the NYC club from the Catcher in the Rye)

Let’s Review what we have learned! Let’s review our notes before the interactive quiz! Pay attention to the author, the book, an element of controversy, and the main character! Raise your hand when ready.

Question 1 –The Main Character Who is the main character in The Catcher in the Rye? A. Miley CyrusMiley Cyrus B. Curtis “50 cent” Jackson C. Holden Caulfield D. Bradford Laystein

Oops! I’m sorry. That answer is incorrect. Try again!

Correct Answer 1! You got it right!

Question 2 – Music What kind of music does Holden Caulfield listen to in The Catcher in the Rye (which takes place in the 1950s)? A. Jazz B. Swing C. Hip Hop D. Classical

Correct Answer 2! You got it right!

Question 3 –Controversy Which of the following was not a controversy having to do with The Catcher in the Rye that we mentioned? A. Criminals having the book when they were arrested B. It is one of the most challenged books in library history C. It was not printed on recycled paper

Correct Answer 3! You got it right!

Question 4 –The Author Who is the author of The Catcher in the Rye? A. A.J. OswaldA.J. Oswald B. Hayley Williams C. B.A. Baracus D. J.D. Salinger

Correct Answer 4! You got it right!

Homework Assignment For Homework : Go on an interactive adventure! There is a webquest that follows Holden’s path in the book. Look at the maps. At the above link.webquest After viewing them, write a paragraph that summarizes why you think Holden might go to these places.