During this unit, you will read Catcher in the Rye and select one of the seven projects listed below. Each project not only targets different areas of literacy, but also targets different areas of interest. Select the project that fits both you and your interpretation of the story. Enjoy your selection and prepare to get much from your efforts.
Option #1: Writing a Parody: Catch Her in the Oatmeal Description: In contemporary usage, a parody is a work that imitates another work in order to ridicule, ironically comment on, or poke affectionate fun at the work itself, the subject of the work, the author or fictional voice of the parody, or another subject. Find a portion of Catcher to parody. Research parody to learn its different types and examples, so that you might incorporate such findings into your own writing. “Scary Movie” is an example of a movie parody. Requirements: 1) MLA format. 2) Two Pages 3) Typed
Option #2: Writing and Illustrating a Cartoon: Fisher-Price Theater Presents “Catcher in the Rye” Description: There are all forms and types of cartoons, but, for this specific assignment, you are to follow the sample cartoon passed out in class. Illustrate and write a cartoon on Catcher in the Rye that captures the important parts of the novel. If you wish, you may write illustrate a cartoon that takes place before or after the events in Catcher. Research cartoons to examine various samples that will inform your own project. Requirements: 1) Two Pages 2) Illustrations In Color 3)Two Page Reflection 4) MLA format 5) Typed
Option #3: Writing a Letter to Salinger: “Return to Sender” Description: Over the years, droves of people have written to the reclusive author of Catcher. For this project, you will join them in sending Salinger a letter that touches upon your impressions and reactions to the novel itself. You do not have to follow the exact requirements of a formal letter. Instead, you should simply have a “Dear Mr. Salinger” and a “Respectfully,” or variation thereof. Research past letters to see which ones you like and dislike. Write as if Salinger were going to respond to your words. Search the Internet for an address. After you show it to me, I will ask that you actually send the letter. Requirements: 1) Two Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA format
Option #4: Allie and Leukemia Description: As we all know by now, Allie was dear to the heart of Holden. At an early, Allie died of Leukemia. This cancer affects many families. For this particular project, you are to do some volunteer work in some capacity at the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. You can visit their site at http://www.leukemia.org/hm_lls. You may see if there is volunteer work here or at any other local organization. You will research the place where you are volunteering and write about that. In addition, you will write a reflection on your experiences. Requirements: 1) Two Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA format
Option #5: Soundtrack to the Life of Holden Caulfield Description: Identify six traits that represent Holden Caulfield. Find a quote from the book that illustrates each trait. Afterwards, locate a song that best represents that trait. If you have the resources, burn a cd that can be played on a Mac laptop. Requriements: 1) Two Pages 2) Typed 3) MLA format 4) CD
Option #6: Catcher in the Rye iMovie Description: This has the potential to be a group or individual project. If you work together, your requirements increase. Each person is responsible for writing an individual response. Choose a scene from the movie. Place that scene in today's world. Use dialogue from the book. The scene should be approximately five minutes. It should be recorded in a format that can play on a Mac laptop. Each group member will write a two-page reflection on the experience and design of the scene. Requirements: 1)Video Recorder 2)Two Pages 3)MLA format 4)Typed
Option #7: Catcher in the Rye Hits Close to Home Description: As discussed in class, Catcher in the Rye makes reference to some local sites including Shipley and Valley Forge Military Academy. For this particular activity, you will travel to these sites and either take pictures or film them. You will write a two page paper that includes quotes from the book and your personal reflection on visiting the sites. What was the experience like for you? How did you feel at such places? Do you think that you would have felt much like Holden did in the book? Requirements: 1)Video Recorder or Camera 2) Two Pages 3)MLA format 4)Typed
Great Questions for Catcher in the Rye
Study Guide for Catcher in the Rye
Spark Notes: Catcher in the Rye
CliffsNotes: Catcher in the Rye
MonkeyNotes: Catcher in the Rye
Homework Online: Catcher in the Rye
ClassicNote: Catcher in the Rye
"J.D. Salinger Speaks About His Silence"
"Salinger Was Playing Our Song"
"Publishing: Visiting With J.D. Salinger"
New York Times Articles on J.D. Salinger
Study Guide for Catcher in the Rye
First Edition of Catcher in the Rye