The Catcher in the Rye

Use these essay questions as writing and critical thinking exercises for all levels of writers, and to build their literary analysis skills by requiring textual references throughout the essay.

Differentiation Suggestion: For English learners or struggling writers, strategies that work well include graphic organizers, sentence frames or starters, group work, or oral responses.

Scaffolded Essay Questions

Student Prompt: Write a short (1-3 paragraph) response using one of the below bulleted outlines. Cite details from the text over the course of your response that serve as examples and support.

1. A symbol is an object or event that holds a metaphorical meaning.

• What does Holden's red hunting hat mean to Holden in the beginning of the novel? (topic sentence)
• Give at least 3 examples of moments Holden wears the hunting hat, or gives it away, and what those moments represent for Holden.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how Holden's hunting hat supports the theme Coming of Age as Losing Innocence, Post Traumatic Stress, or Lack of Authenticity in Adult Society.

2. Holden's grief is an unspoken issue hanging over much of what happens in the novel.

• When do we first learn of Holden's grief, and how does he handle it? (topic sentence)
• Provide at least 3 examples of moments that Holden grapples with his grief and explain why Holden struggles to get past it.
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how Holden's grief supports the theme Post Traumatic Stress.

3. Throughout the book, Holden is eager to speak with Jane Gallagher, but he's never able to bring himself to do it.

• What does Jane Gallagher mean to Holden, and why is he so reluctant to reach out to her? (topic sentence)
• Give at least 3 examples of moments Holden considers calling Jane, only to change his mind. What is significant about these moments, and why doesn't he call Jane?
• In your concluding sentence or sentences, explain how Holden's relationship with Jane supports the theme of Coming of Age as Losing Innocence, Post Traumatic Stress, or Lack of Authenticity in Adult Society.

Full Essay Assignments

Student Prompt: Write a structured and well-developed essay. Include a thesis statement, at least three main points supported by text details, and a conclusion.

1. Throughout the novel, Holden considers the ducks that live in Central Park, and where they go during the winter. Why does this issue continue to plague Holden? In what way is he similar to the ducks, and in what ways is he different from them? What can he learn from them? Give at least three examples of moments that Holden considers the ducks in winter. Then, connect these moments to a theme or themes in the novel. As you compose your response, support your assertions with details and language from the text. Cite any quotes in MLA format or the format your teacher requests.

2. How does Holden's relationship with his family provide context for the rest of the novel? How does his relationship with Allie play an important role in his actions throughout the book? Is his relationship with Allie proof that his uncertainty is due to unresolved grief? Provide examples of details from the text that provide context for Holden's psychological deterioration. Then, connect Holden's relationship with his family to a major theme or themes in the novel. As you compose your response, support your assertions with details and language from the text. Cite any quotes in MLA format or the format your teacher requests.

3. Holden cannot return to his childhood, yet he does not want to become an adult. In what ways does Holden represent the difficulty of teenage years? Provide examples of details from the text that portray Holden's reluctance to enter the next phase of his life. Then, connect Holden's mindset to a theme or themes in the novel. As you compose your response, support your assertions with details and language from the text. Cite any quotes in MLA format or the format your teacher requests.