The Catcher in the Rye

Reading and Writing Workshop

 (R) Focus: How can we understand
Holden’s loss of innocence?
• Loss of innocence- loss of innocence
deals with the blind ideas. for example
when a child is exposed to the harsh
realities of the world and it is not as
perfect as he/ she perceived it to be
and has realized that it is actually very
cruel - loss of innocence.
(R) Focus: How does Holden reject
society?
• Society- a highly structured system of human
organization for large-scale community living
that normally furnishes protection, continuity,
security, and a national identity for its people.
The larger “group” defines laws, rules, goals,
and even dreams for everyone, an individual
must adhere to the group forces.

• MODEL- Christopher McCandless and the song

“Society”
 Individual to Group Work
• From where ever you’ve gotten in the
book, continue reading for 20-
minutes.
• As you read try to identify:
– Ways Holden rejects society
– What parts of society Holden has
problems with
• In groups: Discuss your results. You
may also discuss your own views on
society.