The Complexity of Holden

Oh, Holden.
Taken from Google Images

 

Today in your journals, address any (or all) of the questions below; make sure that you use your multi-genre sheets!

• How would you describe Holden and Jane's relationship?
• In what ways does Holden view life differently than people his age?
• Why do you suppose Holden has such a hatred for the performing arts (movies, music, etc)?
• Do you think that Holden has an inflated opinion of himself?  Why/why not?
• Reassess: does Holden respect women?  Back up your assertions with evidence!

The Catcher in the Rye

Whether you know it or not, JD Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye (the novel we are going to begin reading today!) has been banned in libraries throughout since it was published in 1951.

For this journal prompt, I want you to write about your thoughts on book-banning and censorship.  Why do people ban books from libraries?  Is it right?  Why/why not?  What are the pros of banning books in a given situation?  What are the cons? 

Take at least 10-15 minutes on this prompt, and be ready to share your thoughts and opinions with your peers!

Your Thematic Hopes and Dreams :)

What you hope to learn...

-how themes are successfully used in literature
-how themes affect the story/book
-learn more about writing - different styles
-how to distinguish themes
-expand my knowledge of written word
-learn better ways of how to tell what the author is conveying to the reader
-how to get my thoughts out of my head and onto paper
-learn why Catcher in the Rye is a banned book
-understand how themes relate to our lives
-learn how to decipher themes in an easier manner
-how to identify themes in literature
-learn about what a theme is and what purpose it serves
-learn about how themes relate to one another in the massive world of imagination

What you hope to do...

-watch some movies to go with the books
-fun end-of-the-semester projects
-do fun projects with food and movies
-read good books and learn something new
-pass the class with exceptional grades
-be introduced to new kinds of literature
-have fun in class
-always do my reading
-good class discussions
-improve on my writing and post good blogs
-read exciting books
-be challenged in my thinking
-prove myself this semester
-improve my writing and critiquing skills

Your expectations of me...

-be fun and nice
-make us learn a lot
-be fair with due dates
-challenge me
-continue to teach in fun and different ways
-have a fun last semester!
-excuse my terrible penmanship
-have a fun-filled semester
-help me understand books better
-be fun, easy-going, and random
-do what you do!
-don't overload me with homework
-keep my attention
-be friendly
-reward us with food and/or candy
-maintain your awesomeness (I will try!)

What is a Theme?

 

For this journal prompt, there are a few parts:

Part #1 - In your own words, what is a theme?  Why are themes important in literature?

Part #2 - Make a list of 10 themes...ready - go!

Part #3 - Write about a novel or short story that you have read and enjoyed.  What are its themes?  How did the author make these themes known to the reader?

Be sure to answer all parts of this prompt, and be ready to share your thoughts with the class!