The Catcher in the Rye

Identify narrator’s tone based on diction and support with relevant textual evidence. 

Explain how the narrator’s final words reveal theme. 

Determine the main purpose of paragraphs in a nonfiction text. 

Characterize Salinger based on his obituary and draw connections between Salinger and Holden. 

Characterize Holden based on his diction and interactions with peers.

Explain the difference between Holden’s point of view of himself/others and reality. 

Analyze Holden’s true character based on his relationship with Jane, his treatment of Ackley, and his revelation of Allie’s death.

Infer the effect Allie’s death has had on Holden.

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

Explain how Salinger’s description of the hotel reveals theme. 

Write a clear and effective thesis statement in response to a prompt.

Explain how Holden’s view of Phoebe reveals the theme youth. 

Analyze and explain how themes from the poem are similar to those found in the novel.

Explain the significance of Jane and what Holden’s view of her reveals.

Explain the symbolism of the ducks.

Explain the author’s use of juxtaposition in the scene at Ernie’s and how it reveals theme.

Explain why Holden feels he is “yellow” and use that explanation to predict Holden’s behavior later in the chapter.

Explain the impact religion has on Holden’s thoughts by using information from biblical stories.

Explain what the conflict in this chapter reveals about Holden and Sunny both.

Independently analyze Salinger’s characterization of Holden in this chapter.

Explain how Salinger uses structure to communicate Holden’s state of mind.

Analyze and explain how the displays at the museum reveal theme. 

Identify Holden’s changing emotions during his encounter with Sally.

Craft a written response explaining Holden’s changing feelings in chapter 17. 

Explain how Salinger conveys Holden’s mental state in chapter 18.

Explain what we learn about Holden from his interaction with Luce, using both explicitly stated and implicitly implied information.

Distinguish between Holden’s fears and anxiety based on information from a nonfiction source. 

Infer Holden’s motivations by closely reading details.

Analyze the relationship between Phoebe and Holden.

Explain how Holden’s misconception about the poem reveals a larger theme of the novel.

Explain the significance of Holden’s interactions with Mr. Antolini.

Analyze and interpret the significance of the last two lines of the novel.