Blog Assignment
Content:
Literary & rhetorical analysis. Write about Salinger’s effective use of language: narration, description, point of view, dialogue, tone, diction, symbolism, figurative language, universal themes, etc.
Write about the universal themes: Personal or life connections, questions, predictions, etc.
No summary. Brief context is OK, but no more than 1 to 2 sentences of context
Must be 300 words each.
Comments/responses to other student's blogs must be 50 words.
Topics:
Topics 1 and 2 are for Chapters 1-7.
Blog Topic #1: Based on what you've learned about prep schools, the introduction material about the book/author, and the first chapter of the novel, write about your first impressions of the main character.
Blog Topic #2: Open topic. See content ideas above. You may also quote a short passage and analyze it if you wish, but the quote is not part of the 300 words.
Blog Topic #3: Identify and explain a motif that connects chapters 8 and 9; also comment on how this motif play a role in teen life.
Blog Topic #4. Open topic. See content ideas above. You may also quote a short passage and analyze it if you wish, but the quote is not part of the 300 words.
Topics 5 and 6
Blog Topic #5: After reading chapters 17-20, analyze his conversations with Sally and Carl Luce. What conclusions can the reader make about Holden's behavior, actions, thoughts, or attitudes. Explain any discrepancies between what he says to Sally or Carl and what he tells the reader.
Blog Topic #6: Discuss your group article and its connection to Holden. Discuss one other article that you found interesting from another group presentation.
Topics 7 and 8 are for Chapters 22-24
Blog Topic #7: Part 1: What do you think really happened at Mr. Antolini's house? Is he just a concerned teacher, or does he have immoral intentions? Explain Holden's comments at the end of chapter 24. Part 2: Now that we’re almost done with the book, what’s Holden’s problem? Why is he flunking out of school? Holden receives advice from Old Spencer, from Carl Luce, and Mr. Antolini. Is any of it good? What advice would you give him if you were his friend?
Blog Topic #8: Write a 500 word Christmas memory or childhood memory in the style of Holden Claufield. Use a stream on consciousness structure with at least 3 digressions that add depth or background to your main memory. Focus on the theme of innocence in some way. Use an honest yet sarcastic tone. Consider using some of his repetitious phrases: and all, anyways, that killed me, very big deal, if you want to know the truth. phony, and other colorful words. Remember, less is more when it comes to the colorful words.