Midterm -- Advanced Literature

Advanced Literature: Survey of J.D. Salinger – Midterm

Due February 5^th, 2014 by 5:00 PM

In order to demonstrate your engagement with The Catcher in the Rye so far, you will complete an in-depth character profile and analysis of one of the novel’s supporting characters. This assignment will assess your understanding of Catcher and your analytical processing of the ‘underwater’ elements of the literature.

Assignment: Character Profile & Analysis

First, you should choose one character to examine from the novel other than Holden Caulfield; I recommend Phoebe Caulfield, D.B. Caulfield, Allie Caulfield, Stradlater, Ackley, Sunny, Jane Gallagher, Sally Hayes, Mr. Spencer, or Mr. Antolini. Then, you will complete the graphic organizer, attached to this handout, about your character. Finally, you will use your character profile to analyze, in writing, the ‘underwater’ ideas surrounding that character. Specifically, you should focus on the following prompts:

·         

·      How does this character influence Holden’s worldview (short-term or long-term)?

·      Why do you imagine Salinger included this character in Holden’s story? Why did he choose to portray this character in the way he did?

·      To which dualities/paradoxes does this character contribute?

·      What is Salinger trying to tell us about our world using this character?

·         

In order to thoroughly examine a character, you will need to revisit passages of Catcher where the character makes strong appearances. You should evaluate his or her actions and words, as well as Holden’s reaction to and thoughts about him or her.

Your analysis should be in 12-point font, double-spaced, with one-inch margins. You should not need to use any sources other than The Catcher in the Rye, but if you do, you MUST cite your sources.

You will be scored using the following rubric:

Character Profile: The student thoughtfully and thoroughly completes the character profile graphic organizer using original insight and reflection. The student uses evidence from the novel to support and explore characterization. (100 pts. possible)
Completion (10 pts.)	Student completes graphic organizer.
Response to prompts (10 pts. each)	Student accurately and insightfully responds to the prompt within the organizer.
Use of textual support (20 pts. overall)	Student uses direct quotes and/or paraphrasing to support the profile.
Character Analysis: Using his or her character profile to support the process, the student analyzes the character, characterization, and character significance within The Catcher in the Rye. The student uses evidence from the novel to examine the implicit and thematic elements of Salinger’s writing. (100 pts. possible)
Ideas & Content of Analysis (40 pts.)		Student incorporates unique and insightful analysis.
Clarity and Cohesion of Analysis (25 pts.)		Student directly and articulately expresses ideas.
Extended Analytical Reflection (15 pts.)		Student uses his or her analysis of the character to reflect on the broader messages of the novel.
Use of textual support (20 pts. overall)		Student uses direct quotes and/or paraphrasing to support the profile.