English 101 Prompt for Catcher in the Rye Mid-Term
Since its publication in 1951, Catcher in the Ryehas remained a very popular and controversial American novel. The protagonist / narrator, Holden Caulfield, has been characterized as a pre-1960’s counterculture hero or as a troubled young man with significant mental health issues. Is Holden a hero who rails against the “phony,” conventionality of 1950’s American society, or is he a troubled sixteen-year-old who struggles to navigate daily life? In an argumentative essay (claim supported by evidence) of at least six full paragraphs, describe the “real” Holden. What elements in the novel support your conclusions? Areas for consideration may include:
Characterization, symbolism, conflicts, settings, or themes in the novel
Rebellion against or compliance with cultural and social value in 1950’s America
Society’s expectations for young men in wealthy families or at elite schools
Societal and teenage views on appropriate sexual behavior
Confusion and insecurity about one’s place in society or future plans
Transitioning from childhood to adulthood
Challenges faced by individuals with mental health issues
Which reality is “real” Holden’s or society’s?
Your essay must include the following elements:
6 well-developed paragraphs (10 sentences each)
An Introduction paragraph containing at least 10 sentences of background information to prepare a reader for your thesis statement
A thesis statement indicating the essay’s topic, purpose, and structure. The thesis should be the last sentence of the introduction paragraph and be highlighted
4 body paragraphs of at least 10 sentences each which provide details and examples (quotes) to support and prove the thesis
A concluding paragraph of at least 10 sentences providing closure to your essay. A restatement of the main idea of the essay is often appropriate, and what do you learn about a young man’s place in society at the time.
Quotes from Catcher in the Rye with commentary and properly MLA formatted citations
Provide analysis of Holden and NOT a simple re-tell of the story
Your essay must conform to the following manuscript requirements:
Regular essay format: margins, spacing, name block, indent start of paragraphs
Word Document only
Give your essay a title
Italicize Catcher in the Rye each time it appears in the essay
Place a page number in the upper right-hand corner of each page
Include a properly formatted MLA style Works Cited Page with an entry for the novel and any additional sources used.
Submit your essay Word Document to canvas in the Assignments Tab for this midterm by 11:59 pm on Friday, April 1st.
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