1. J.D. SALINGER CATCHER IN THE RYE

2. WHAT DO YOU NOTICE ABOUT THE COVERS?

3. J.D. SALINGER Jerome David Salinger Born January 1, 1919, in New York City Parents: Sol and Miriam Father-Jewish Mother-Catholic Moved from school to school Served in World War II Died in 2010

4. J.D. SALINGER one of the most popular and influential authors of American fiction during the second half of the twentieth century. remained out of the public eye for most of his life Did not grant any interviews after 1980!

5. THE CATCHER IN THE RYE Published in 1951 Salinger’s first full length novel Has sold over 65 million copies world wide! Slow start One of the most frequently challenged books in library history. Named one of the best novels of the 20 th century by Time Magazine.

6. WHY WAS IT CHALLENGED? Until 2006, Catcher was one of the most frequently banned books. WHY? WHY? Sex Vulgar language Controversy Mark David Chapman (assassin of John Lennon) and John Hinckley Jr. (attempted assassin of President Ronald Reagan) both had copies of the book in their pockets when they were arrested.

7. WHAT IS “CATCHER” ABOUT? Holden Caulfield, a 16 year old boy, and his experiences in school and New York City during the 1940’s. Issues discussed: School Teachers Music Sex Alcohol Hypocrisy Family Being a teenager

8. HOLDEN CAULFIELD Sketch of an American teenager all readers identify with or see some of their friends reflected in different aspects of Holden’s character. we all know that is some way, Holden is one of us.

9. HOW IS J.D. SALINGER SIMILAR TO HOLDEN CAULFIELD? J.D. Salinger Attended prep schools in NYC and flunked out of McBurney School He has been referred to as a terrible liar, though this is difficult to prove/disprove Alienation from society– Salinger seems determined to keep his life private from outsiders. Holden Caulfield Expelled from Pencey Prep and flunked out of other prep schools Terrible liar Chooses to be alone- alienates himself from society Does not confide in anyone

10. LITERACY FOCUS Setting New York City in the1940’s Tone Disgusted Cynical Bitter towards society, self, relationships Point of View 1 st person (I)—Holden Caulfield Irony wants to connect to adults, but rejects adults because they’re phony Themes Sexual exploration Non-conformity Alienation, hopelessness Feelings of loss/regret Phoniness of adults Painfulness of growing up Symbolism Red Hunting Hat The Carousel The Catcher’s Mitt The Ducks in Central Park Pond The Museum of Natural History

11. WHAT IS HOLDEN SEARCHING FOR? 3 Holden is looking for 3 things: The Innocence of Childhood Wants things to remain the same as when he was younger Love Identity What do I do with my life? What does this all mean? How do I live up to expectations and still be an individual?

12. WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHILE READING? This novel is a character study of Holden. Analyze Holden’s motivations, his personality, and his mental stability. What’s Holden’s deal? Is there something wrong with him (is he crazy?) or is he a just a normal teenager?

13. JOURNAL RESPONSE Put yourself into Holden’s shoes. What would you do if you were expelled from school and knew that your parents would not know you were expelled for two days? Plan out those two days and please keep your responses school appropriate.