The Catcher in the Rye

Lesson 8
icon/ela/white

ELA

Unit 6

10th Grade

Lesson 8 of 26

Objective


Identify signs of Holden’s upcoming breakdown and explain how this contributes to the novel’s overall plot.

Readings and Materials


Fishtank Plus

Unlock features to optimize your prep time, plan engaging lessons, and monitor student progress.

Target Task


Writing Prompt

Which of the NIMH’s signs is Holden displaying? Provide examples.

How does Holden’s breakdown impact the story’s plot line? Explain.

Multiple Choice

The author includes the details of the peanut shells on the staircase to mainly show:
 

Create a free account or sign in to view multiple choice options

Key Questions


  • What does Holden call the fight between himself and Stradlater? Is this accurate? 
  • Describe Holden’s behavior on p. 53.
  • What do you think is Holden’s motive for coming to Ackley’s? 
  • What is Holden so preoccupied with on pp. 55–56? 
  • Identify signs of Holden’s breakdown on pp. 57–59
  • What do the ice skates most likely symbolize?
  • How does his breakdown impact the plot line? (end of rising action and beginning of the conflict emerging)

Notes


  • The NIMH list does not have to be taught as an entire nonfiction passage, but it can be used as a Do Now or pre-reading work so students are familiar with the symptoms of depression. The bulk of class should be chapter 7. 
  • Make sure students have a basic understanding of what a monastery is and what the idiom “got the ax” means.
  • As students read chapter 7, they should be identifying signs that Holden is depressed. They will find examples of all of the following: agitation, mood swings, insomnia, loss of pleasure, loss of interest.
  • Assign chapter 8 for homework and ask: What does this chapter reveal about how Holden handles his sadness? Why does Salinger include this interaction between Holden and Ernie’s mom?
icon/arrow/right/large copy

Lesson 7

icon/arrow/right/large

Lesson 9

Lesson Map

A7CB09C2-D12F-4F55-80DB-37298FF0A765

Request a Demo

See all of the features of Fishtank in action and begin the conversation about adoption.

Learn more about Fishtank Learning School Adoption.

Contact Information

School Information

What courses are you interested in?

ELA

Math

Are you interested in onboarding professional learning for your teachers and instructional leaders?

Yes

No

Any other information you would like to provide about your school?

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Effective Instruction Made Easy

Access rigorous, relevant, and adaptable ELA lesson plans for free