Catcher+in+the+Rye

Introduction:
Here is a sample introduction. Note the lead which reflects the bigger ideas of the novel and the thesis which comes at the end:

In today’s society, adolescents are seen by adults as immature hoodlums. They are often stereotyped in negative ways and do not portray the tens of millions of teenagers in the United States who defy this label. It is easier for the popular culture to have one idea, rather than a nuanced understanding. Holden Caulfied, the protagonist of The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger, is the kind of two-dimensional character that society offers up as the norm. Holden does have some characteristics which are adolescent: rebellious and judgmental. However, Holden is not relevant to most of today’s teenagers because he fails to reflect the complexity of a real adolescent.

Conclusion:
Here is a sample conclusion. Note how it offers analysis and commentary on the big ideas of the paper. It also refers to the main points of the essay, but does not offer simple repetition. It (hopefully) ends with offering an insight which leaves the reader thinking:

Holden Caulfield is considered by many critics to be timeless. However, most of these critics have not been teenagers for decades. Holden’s extreme actions, rather than making him a hero, alienate him from most of the adolescent readers who are required to read this novel. After over sixty years of subjecting readers to Holden’s extreme and obnoxious behavior, it is time to evolve our standards, to give high school students more credit than Salinger does. Although Holden has threads which connect him to today’s larger society, he also fulfills stereotypes which ultimately provide low standards for today’s youth. Literature and teachers can do better than Holden’s example. And it is time they did.

Final Assessment: Analytical Essay
Through our study of //The Catcher in the Rye//, you have (hopefully!) contemplated Holden’s struggles and characteristics and how they both helped and hindered his progress throughout the novel. But, is he relevant to today’s teenager? Does J.D Salinger have a protagonist who is timeless or should we put this book and this troubled teen to rest?

Begin by considering the question:

How is Holden Caulfield relevant to today’s teenagers? What characteristics does he possess which make him relatable or outdated? //Your thesis statement should take a stand on this issue and have clearly defined traits or characteristics which support your idea.//


 * __ Each successful essay will: __**

Monday, October 4: Thesis statement, topic sentences (statements) and direct evidence (quotations) due Tuesday, October 5: Rough draft of essay due Wednesday, October 6: Final draft of essay due
 * Contain an introductory paragraph that discusses the text and the bigger concept you will be addressing, and that ends with a clear, concise thesis statement
 * Contain at least three body paragraphs that each discuss direct evidence from the text to help prove your point; it does not need to follow a five paragraph format, but it could. Higher level papers will include the opposing view as a way to further build the argument
 * Contain a concluding paragraph that connects back to thesis but also synthesizes the ideas of //The Catcher in the Rye// and the connections to today’s society
 * Follow MLA format. See link here for guidelines: []
 * __ Deadlines: When will we be doing this? __**

Download a copy of the rubric here:

If you would like a graphic organizer to organize your thoughts, there is an SQE, you may download a copy here:

Download a copy of Robert Burns' poem here:

Vocabulary:
Next Wednesday, you will have a vocab test on the words in this document: You will be expected to apply these work to paragraphs and sentences. This will involve fill-in the blank and writing your own sentences. If you would like to review the terms online on quizlet, please do so here: []

Discussion for Catcher in the Rye: week of 9/20:
Your group will be responsible for posting at least one question for each chapter this week. These questions should not be literal "right there" questions. Rather, they should connect to the text, but extend it, thinking about the thematic ideas of the book or what Vonnegut was trying to do. They can also pose a legitimate question you have (i.e. Why is Holden always talking about the ducks?)

Then, your homework will be to respond to at least four of the questions individually. Again, the responses should be reflective of your best thinking and questioning. Also, if there is a thread to the question, it will build off the ideas of those before you. The best responses and questions will earn a homework pass!


 * To post a question**: Click the discussion tab and the new post button. Type your question into the header and post.
 * To respond to a question**: Click on the question and post your response.
 * Note**: make sure your user name has your name clearly designated so you can get credit for your work this week.

1. Make a minimum of four well developed, thoughtful, text-based postings of about a paragraph in length. Successful postings will demonstrate critical thinking on the part of the writer about the text in the context of the question at hand.
 * Guidelines for responses**:

2. Demonstrate good digital citizenship. A successful participant "listens" to others, building on and connecting classmates ideas even while presenting a new point of view.

3. Employ the English language in terms of mechanics and spelling.