Catcher in the Rye
Creative Project
“Among other things, you’ll find that you’re not the first one who was ever confused and frightened and even sickened by human behavior… Many, many men have been just as troubled… Happily, some of them kept records of their troubles.”
Assignment
Choose ONE of the project ideas listed below either as an individual or as a group (see details on which assignments can be group projects) to demonstrate your interpretation of J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye.
“Dear Holden…”
Individual Project
Write a letter or several letters to Holden Caulfield written from the perspective of someone in the novel (other than Holden). Give him advice, share with him your side of the story, show him you are not a phony, or be an absolute phony. You pick! (5 Typed pages )
Creative Writing & Poetry
Individual Project
Option 1 - Poetry
Write at least 5 POEMS inspired by the novel. Bind your book in an attractive and creative way. I would love for you to include several illustrations too! (5 Typed Pages)
Option 2 - Catcher Short Story
Write a SHORT STORY that shows us another character’s experience in Catcher in the Rye. Write a side story from the perspective of one of Salinger’s supporting characters in the novel. (5-10 Typed Pages)
Option 3 - Teenage Angst Short Story or Screenplay
Write a SHORT STORY or SHORT FILM SCREENPLAY that is representative of teenage angst from some point in history from WWI to the 1990s. In your short story, be sure to reference the culture and trends of the time period that you have chosen, as well as build the characters and dialogue of the narrative. (5-10 Typed Pages)
Option 4 - Write a Rant
Re-read Holden’s rant in Chapter 17. Write your own rant, written from your perspective as a modern teen. This should be 2 PAGES double-spaced. What really gets your goat? What really grinds your gears? Harness your inner Dickinson, Caulfield, and Ginsberg — Go all out! Personally railing against your English instructor is permitted, but only a phony moron would do that!
Concept Album
Individual or Group Project (if you are a band creating original music)
Create a CD or shared playlist with Attractive cover and at least 10 songs that relate to the novel in interesting ways. Then write an organized essay explaining how each song illustrates some important aspect of the novel. (1 typed explanation essay with album/songs)
Art
Individual Project
Create an artistic work (using sculpture, painting, drawing, collage, photography etc.) that explores the issues raised in Catcher in the Rye. Specific assignments are explained below.
Drawings
Create an attractive and neat book of at least 5 careful and artistic drawings, with labels that relate to the book. Also, create a one page double spaced explanation of the drawings.
Paintings
Create an attractive and neat collection of at least 3 carefully designed artistic paintings. Type a one page explanation of how your painting relates to the book.
Scrapbook
Create an attractive and neat scrapbook with at least 10 pages of artifacts and photographs that resemble the world in the book. Incorporate captions too. Create a one page double spaced explanation.
People Magazine
Create a magazine inspired by the novel. Magazines should be at least 5 pages. They need 3 articles that discuss the play in some way, and two advertisements.
Photography Portfolio
Create a portfolio of artistic photography inspired by the book. Also, create a one page double spaced explanation of the photos.
Film
Individual or Group Project
Short Creative Film
Create a short film about teen experience in a time period of your choosing between WWI and the 1990s. Be sure to tell a story about the characters and their experiences, but also incorporate the cultural trends and important events of that time period. See me to discuss this idea. (3-5 minute edited video)
Analytical Writing and Critical Thinking
Individual Project
Teenage Angst Cultural Critique
Watch Teenage (2013) click here to see the trailer
Write a social commentary essay that analyzes the teenage experience. Use current events and concepts from the novel to construct a logical argument. In your opinion, what kinds of difficulties do teens face, and what kinds of things make teens in any generation or time period similar? (3-4 Typed pages)
Historical Research
Write a short historical research paper. The conclusion should attempt to connect the topic to the novel. Use at least 3 sources and CITE them in MLA format. (3-4 Typed pages)