The Catcher in the Rye Curriculum Guide

by Robert Miltner

67 pages 10 chapter and 22 student handouts to teach Catcher in the Rye Perfect condition Center for Learning publication

78 pages, Spiral-bound

First published October 30, 2005

About the author

Robert Miltner is Professor Emeritus of English at Kent State University Stark. He is the author of Ohio Apertures: A Lyric Memoir (Cornerstone Press) and a short story collection, And Your Bird Can Sing (Bottom Dog Press). His poetry collections are Hotel Utopia (New Rivers Press), Orpheus & Echo (Etruscan Press), Against the Simple (Kent State University Press), Queen Mab and the Moon Boy (Kattywompus Press), and Cicatrix Vortex Codex (MadHat Press), forthcoming in 2024. Miltner received an Ohio Arts Council Fellowship at Vermont Studio Center, a Writer-in-Residence at the Chautauqua Institution, and was visiting scholar on contemporary American poetry at University of Paris East.

Reviews

[Olivia Kim · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the book, The Catcher in the Rye, J.D. Salinger describes Holden Caulfield’s journey through New York City. Holden, who seems to be always depressed, wanders around, seeking for the “right” place for him. Throughout the novel, instead of just a crazy teenager, wandering through NYC, drinking alcohol, smoking and hiring prostitute, Salinger shows who Holden actually is - kind in some ways, caring about children and valuing and wanting to preserve kids’ innocence.

The reality of growing up:

Holden’s journey and his thought process clearly implies the hardships in the transition from a child to an adult. While the main character considers himself as an adult, the readers can easily imply that he is still an immature teenager.The journey through NYC with liquors, sex and nightclubs shows an attempt Holden makes to transit into an adult. The book illustrates what an innocent child faces to become a part of the corrupted lives of adults - being phony. The loss of his very close brother, Allie, motivates and finally teaches Holden a life lesson: one must let innocent child to lose their purity.

The author’s style:

Although Salinger constantly uses profane words throughout the story, this is what makes Holden the Holden Caulfield. In addition, Holden’s narration through stream of consciousness also contribute to who Holden is like. Most of high school students and even adults are easily able to relate with Holden in some cases: stress level, missing childhood, desire to go back and more. Overall, this book is one of the books that will change your life in some way!

[Sophie Hauser · Rating 3 out of 5]

My review may be a bit harsh, it may depend on what mood I was in when I finished the book.
It's not that I thought it was bad, it was fantastically written revealing Holden in a light of innocence whilst at the same time being worldly wise. I also really liked him as a character, despite his situation and inner troubles Holden never feels sorry for himself and the past is revealed to the reader as Holden's mind wanders, which happens quite frequently.

I just somehow wasn't able to enjoy it as much as I expected, I think it could be my expectation of the book which has left me judging it harshly.

[Danielle Cantrell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was required as a book report in high school but I fell in love right away. The way that Robert makes the characters sound, is so realistic to the way my anginsty teenager self was thinking. This was read for my junior year in high school, when there is lots of "omg my Gosh" and "oh no" issues.