HOLDEN IS THE INADVERTENT SPOKESPERSON for Salinger’s world view. But Holden doesn’t speak directly about what he values, nor does he articulate clearly a philosophy. However, as careful readers we can puzzle through Holden’s lingo and rambling, informal style to tease out what Salinger says through him. This week we will continue to read through The Catcher in the Rye, as Holden wanders through Central Park, the natural jewel of Manhattan, New York.

Monday

What advice does Shakespeare provide teenagers via Laertes and Polonius in Act I Scene III of Hamlet? Furthermore, what does this advice mean to sons, versus daughters? Further still, what does Holden make of this advice, and what do you make of Holden’s potential reaction to said advice? We’re studying I.iii in greater depth today.
HW: If incomplete, finish answering the aformentioned advice in regard teenagers. You should also read chapter 17 in CITR.

Tuesday

We will examine the museum scenes from chapter seventeen. Why does Holden so love the Museum of Natural History? We will continue with some close textual analysis, examining the three-page long paragraph in which Holden describes going on a field trip when younger.
HW: Read chapter 18 in CITR.

Wednesday

Beginning to write a two-page memoir narrative about a place you visited as a child. You are to describe the place in such a way as to communicate the importance of the experience WITHOUT openly stating why the experience matters. Due Monday, October 21. We will also look at The Rockettes at Radio City Music Hall.
HW: Catch up on your CITR journals.

Thursday

Reading the essay “Manhattan, Floating World” in class together. How is the narrators experience in New York City different from Holdens?
HW: Reading chapter 19 in CITR.

Friday

Listening to chapters 20 onward in class.
HW: Finish reading the novel this weekend.