English 9

Mr. Svab             

The Catcher in the Rye - Essay

Now that we are dissecting and discussing the novel in depth, your task is to write an essay that delves even more into a topic of your choosing. The essay must be at least 1000 words, typed, double-spaced, in standard MLA/SVAB format. You will note the word count at the end of the essay. You only need to use the novel itself as a resource, but if you want to use other resources (like any articles we’ve read), you can. See me for help with this. Your essay will have at least five paragraphs (it can have more), including an introduction and a conclusion.

You will use the text of the novel to support your argument. Possible essay topics are listed below. 

• Expand your character sketch. If you have a character that could be further explored, use textual examples to further discuss that character’s significance to Holden. Look at all of the passages where that character is mentioned and use them to build your argument.

• Choose one of the symbols or motifs from the novel (the red hunting hat, the ducks, the broken record, falling, Allie’s glove, etc.). Present an argument that details the symbol’s specific significance to Holden and the novel as whole.

• Determine whether or not you think Holden changed as a character over the course of the novel. Is he static or dynamic? Find textual examples that support your argument.

• Present an evaluation of Holden’s approach to children. Find instances of Holden’s interactions and reactions to children, and present a cohesive argument that theorizes how he feels about kids and why.

• Briefly discuss the five stages of grief (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) and consider which of them apply to Holden. Which stages seem to be prevalent? How does this affect his spiritual/emotional progression over the course of the story? (Do not give every stage a paragraph. This would be too long. You can make your argument more concise by discussing two stages in a paragraph.)

• Form a thesis about Holden’s religious views. Look closely at his discussions of Christianity, God, and Jesus, and discuss how these views shape his personality and journey. Include a discussion of James Castle.

• Agree with, disagree with, or qualify^[1] this statement: Holden is a "phony."^[2] 

If you have another essay topic or idea that you would like to explore, let me know and we can discuss it.

A scoring rubric is attached. When turning in the essay, please staple the rubric to the front of the essay.

FINAL DRAFT DUE: Tues., 9/18

ROUGH DRAFT (at least three paragraphs): Mon., 9/17

Name: _________________________________

Mr. Svab - English 9

DUE: Tuesday, 9/18/12

The Catcher in the Rye - Essay Rubric

I. Introduction                                                                                                                          (20 points) _________________

       A. Adequately introduces topic and makes writer’s position clear

       B. Gives author and title of work

       C. Catches reader’s interest

       D. Contains clear thesis statement (that isn't underlined)

       E. Establishes tone suited toward audience

II. Body Paragraphs                                                                                                              (40 points) _________________

1. Directly support thesis statement
2. Provide arguments that sufficiently support topic
3. Provide direct, quoted examples from the text for support of argument
4. Are coherent (i.e. address only one idea per paragraph and do not contain irrelevant sentences)
5. Explore ideas fully

III. Transitions                                                                                                                            (10 points) __________________

1. Ideas within paragraphs flow smoothly together
2. Transitions between paragraphs are smooth

IV. Conclusion                                                                                                                        (10 points) _________________

1. Creatively restates thesis             
2. Provides adequate sense of closure

V. Language                                                                                                                                    (10 points) _________________

      A. Diction used is appropriate, varied, and interesting

      B. Syntax is interesting and varied

VI. Mechanics                                                                                                                              (10 points) _________________

A. Essay is devoid of grammar, usage, mechanics, and spelling errors

B. A correct & separate Works Cited page is attached

C. Quotes from the story are correctly cited

D. Essay follows correct SVAB/MLA format

E. Rubric is stapled to top of essay

F. Word count is noted at the end of the essay

                                                                                                                                                     Total Score _____________/100