- What surprises you about this novel so far?
- Where do you think Holden's anxiety comes from?
- Let's watch the film Duck and Cover and talk a little more about anxiety.
- Anonymous response: What things cause you the most anxiety today?
- Activity: Go over chapters 5-7 and make a list of all the things that make Holden anxious or depressed. Let's share and do some close reading.
- Let's Discuss: Why do you think Holden is so vulnerable to these feelings?
V. Finally, let's reread the description Holden writes about Allie’s mitt on page 38. Then take 5 minutes to consider the following questions and find textual evidence in preparation for a discussion:
1. Why is Holden unable to write the composition about a place and instead chooses to write about Allie’s mitt?
2. How is Allie’s mitt symbolic?
3. How is Allie’s death symbolic?
4. Why does Holden react so violently to Allie’s death? Do you sympathize with Holden?
5. Why does Holden choose to write the composition for Stradlater? What does this say about Holden?
II. Annotating and Developing Reading Questions
- Annotate a page from these chapters
- Summarize what's happening (context)
- Look for character development, lines that help you understand Holden's character and struggle (commentary)
- Write a reading question that requires someone to read between the lines to find an answer
- Write up an answer to your question on the back of your page
- Share your work with another group