English Homework Help

DIrections: Fill out the chart in relation to The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. Can use the link provided or outside sources as well:

https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/catcher/summary/

1. THE AUTHOR

Author

5 Essential Biographical Facts (with citation)

2. THE ESSENTIALS

Title

Date of Publication

Key Plot Details:

Exposition (background)

Rising action

Climax

Falling Action

Resolution

Protagonist and Details:

Conflicts

Characterization

Most important character detail

Author’s attitude toward

Antagonist and Details:

Form/Type

Characterization

Most important character detail

Author’s attitude toward

Secondary Characters:

Purpose

Most important minor characters

Character details

How main character’s actions affect secondary characters

Setting:

Place

Time

Connection to plot, mood, and themes

3. THE STYLE

Tone:

Author’s attitude toward the subject, characters, or reader.

Description: Ironic, sympathetic, mysterious, gloomy

Point of View:

First

Third

Omniscient

Limited

Purpose/Effect of the POV – why did the author choose it?

Elements of Style:

Language

Organization

Diction

Sentence structure and length

Devices: imagery, repetition, symbolism, dialogue

Key passages/favorite sentences

4. THE BIG IDEA(S)

Central Themes:

Main idea

Topic versus the statement about the truth.

Connection between themes and plot, setting, mood, and tone

5. THE CONVERSATION

Select 1 piece of literary criticism or critical review of your book and write a two paragraph annotated bibliography response in which you engage the critic and support or refute his/her view as you elucidate your perspective.

Bibliographic information (MLA format)

Summary (One paragraph)

Begin with a one sentence summary of the author’s thesis statement. Then focus on the main arguments of the piece and the supporting evidence most relevant to your essay. You may choose to focus on one argumentative strand if the original is very comprehensive (ex. a book chapter). 

Stay focused and avoid plagiarizing from the original.

Reflection (One paragraph)

How does this criticism deepen your understanding of the text? 

Does it support or refute your view of the book? Has the piece changed your perspective?