English 10HP

I introduced The Catcher in the Rye symbolism presentation assignment. Then I modeled a presentation for a Catcher symbol, a seemingly ordinary vinyl record entitled "Little Shirley Beans." Afterward, using the presentation rubric I gave you, you evaluated me (you were a tough crowd!). Finally, you selected one of six symbols and began working with your group to prepare your presentation. The assignment is as follows:

Catcher Symbolism Presentations

You group’s task is to prepare a presentation on your assigned symbol from Catcher in the Rye.
Symbols
Holden’s red hunting hat
The Museum of Natural History and its mummies
The ducks in Central Park
The carousel
Kings in the Back Row
Allie’s baseball mitt

Your presentation must include the following:

1.) Describe the symbolic image, including its context. Quote a passage that shows typical use of the image and includes most of the essential elements of the image.
2.) Explain why we should look beyond the image’s literal meaning. How does the author encourage us to look beyond the literal meaning of the image? Discuss all the ways that apply to your image.
-How is it unrealistic, unlikely, or out of the ordinary in its context?
-How is it irrelevant to the plot of the novel?
-Does the image recur, as a whole or in part?
3.) How is the image “attached” to a character (Holden)? Does he own it? Does he have a strong feeling (affection, dislike, fascination, curiosity, attraction) toward it?
4.) What is the symbolic meaning of the image? How does it reinforce Holden’s character (his values, beliefs, personality, behavior)? How does it contribute to a theme of Catcher in the Rye? In logical sequence, one point at a time, explain how each aspect of the image suggests an aspect of what you claim it symbolizes. This should be the most developed part of your presentation. Be clear, logical, and detailed in your explanation. Pretend you are explaining the symbolism to a child.
5.) How does the timing of the image’s appearances help reinforce its symbolic meaning? For example, in a book where roses symbolize love, the author might include freshly blooming roses in the setting on the day that Bob and Gilda fall in love; and later on the author might show us dry withered roses on the day that Bob and Gilda, their love sour, say good-bye forever.

Homework:
*If necessary, work on symbol presentations. Groups will present Thursday and Friday.
*Bring all of your essays with you on exam day (you'll be reflecting on your growth as a writer and compiling your work in a portfolio). On that day, you will also complete a culminating assignment for The Catcher in the Rye.