Growing up isn't this rough....usually

"Question: How is the theme of growing up or change developed in The Catcher in the Rye? Do you think Holden is experiencing an especially rough young adulthood or is what's happening to him pretty common? 

Use evidence from the text to back up your opinion."


As I am reading the first chapter, I have noticed that Holden really does seem to be struggling with something bigger than just growing up.  I don't believe that his issue is just part of growing up because he seems really angry at things that shouldn't upset him.  For example, when he is meeting with Spencer he begins thinking back to Elkton Hills and he mentions that the way phony people interact "makes me so depressed I go crazy."  This doesn't seem like a typical response to phony people.  Also when he is talking with Old Spencer and the old man keep throwing the papers to the bed, Holden becomes frustrated because he has to pick them up.  This doesn't seem like something that should really bother most people.  


As I continue to read about Holden and how he grows up, I think that the theme will be focused on how quickly people can grow up.  He doesn't seem to care about much right now, which I think is pretty typical.  When I was his age, I didn't care about much either.....at least nothing except myself.  I can't wait to find out what he thinks about his behavior as  the story continues to develop.








*****One other thing that I just remembered from looking over my notes.  On page 9 Holden says, "I mean I've left schools and places I didn't even know I was leaving them.  I hate that.  I don't care if it's a sad goo-by or a bad goodby, but when I leave a place I like to know I'm leaving it.  It you don't, you feel even worse."  This made me think about myself and how when I was in elementary and middle school there were times when I would leave my school for the day and go home to fins out that we had moved.  That was really hard for me because I didn't get to say goodbye to my friends.  I just moved to the next school and had to start all over.  We moved so much!!!  I wonder how many time Holden has moved from one house to anther and why they have to move so much.  How does he know what it is like not to get to say goodbye?*****

The Catcher in the Rye

         Today I was visiting Mr. Aiken's classroom.  As I was sitting in the classroom I realized something really important....not everyone was able to respond to his questions.  Mr. Aiken was asking questions that made people think about what the author was really trying to get his reader's to experience and feel (this is called mood).  I couldn't help but think about how helpful it would be if everyone engaged in a conversation through a blog.  Students could reflect on questions, write their arguments for their responses, support the text with evidence from the text, provide feedback with peers, and interact with the teacher.  

Getting Started

        To get started with this project, Mr. Aiken and I agreed to begin our own blogs and interact in the same ways that we will expect our students to interact.  As you read this blog, you will see my thoughts about what I am reading, I will respond to his questions, record connections or questions that I still have.  Through this blog, I hope to gain a better understanding of the text and how the author structured the story to enhance my experience.  

Guidelines of Blogging

• We will remain respectful of each others thoughts throughout the blog.
• We will refrain from using profanity or bullying our peers.  
• We will keep our blogs up to date with frequent, thoughtful entries.
• We will respond to the blogs of others and encourage them in their thinking.
• Added by Mr. Aiken---- "you may use profanity IF you are quoting Holden. Remember: there is no such things as anonymity (remaining unidentified). We will find you if you break these rules."

HAPPY BLOGGING!!!