Catcher in the Rye Webquest

Introduction

Just as our own cultural context creates our perception of the world around us, so too are author’s shaped by their historical and cultural contexts. To gain a better understanding ofCatcher in the Rye, you will complete an online webquest to establish background knowledge about the historical, cultural, and psychological forces that shape both Holden Caufield and the author who created him.

Task

Research: You will engage in online research about a particular topic relating to Holden's culture. Your group will be assigned a topic from the list below:

Historical context

Cultural perception of women

JD Salinger

Catcher's  Influence

Parodies and Psychology

Process

You will complete the readings online today, and gather information under the guiding questions I provided.

Historical context

How was the critical reception of the novel illustrative of the time period?

What pressures specific to the time period influenced Holden? How were people supposed to act? 

Explain the growth of consumer culture in the post-war era. How is this reflected in the novel?

What, if any, support would have helped Holden to become a well-adjusted teen?

How do you think the Cold War influenced Holden's culture?

Is Holden an early example of the "Counter-Culture Cycle"? Why/why not?

Cultural perception of women

How was the role of women in society in transition during post-war period?

Describe the ideal woman according to Hollywood.

What contrasting media images of femininity did the public receive during the post-war era?

How might these images have affect Holden's perception of romantic interests?

J.D. Salinger

How might World War II have affected J.D. Salinger and his writing?

Describe Salinger's lifestyle.

What is ironic about the author's own son, Matt Salinger?

How does Salinger's biography contribute to an understanding of Holden Caufield?

Why isn't there a movie version of Catcher in the Rye?

How might Salinger's relationships have affected his novel?

Catcher's Influence

What lasting influence has The Catcher in the Rye had on American culture?

What other examples of the "Holden" archetype have you seen in modern media?

What trends do you see in the types of people who are drawn to the novel? Why could this be?

Why do you think The Catcher in the Rye is so constantly referenced? Why does it hold such a central role in our culture? Is this role deserved?

What does the existence of so many Catcher parodies suggest about the changing perception of the novel?

Is Holden suffering from a psychological problem as some critics argue, or is he just a typical teenager? If the former, what? If the latter, how? 

Evaluation

This webquest will be worth

40 points. You will be graded on:

  • Content (30 pts): Includes the accuracy of your information and your thoroughness in addressing all of the guiding questions.
  • th text and visuals, any quoted information is accurately cited.
  • Class Participation (5 pts): You are on task and focused during the class time, reading the articles and collaborating with your group members.
  • Quiz Questions (5 pts): Someone from your group emails me three quiz questions by the end of class Monday.

Conclusion

As we talk about Catcher in the Rye, you will be better equipped to visualize the culture in which the story takes place and understand the authorial, cultural, and social forces that shaped the lives of the characters.