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

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 WWIIWrote several books about

young people including Franny and Zoey and The Catcher in the Rye

Has not granted an interview since 1980!J.D.

Salinger

The Catcher in the Rye – the Book

published in 1951Has sold over 65 million copies worldwide - that’s more than the dictionary!

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.

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 20th century.

The Modern Library named it one of the 100 best novels

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 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. 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.

After viewing them, write a paragraph that summarizes why you think Holden might go to these places .