The Catcher in the Rye (book) essay

Please choose and answer ONE of the following questions, following the standard essay format (introduction, 3 body paragraphs with quotations to support your analysis, a solid conclusion). Criteria for grading will include organization, clarity of expression, coherence, depth of thought, and use of textual evidence. Please clearly mark the number of the essay question you are responding to.

1. Is The Catcher in the Rye a comedy or a tragedy? Or is it both? Analyze the book in detail, supporting your stance with evidence from the text.

2. Salinger weaves a variety of symbols into The Catcher in the Rye, including (but not limited to) the red hunting hat, the ducks in Central Park, and Allie’s mitt. Analyze the meaning and significance of one symbol that Salinger uses in the book. Find three scenes in the novel that mention the symbol and how it contributes to the overall themes in the novel.

3. Catcher in the Rye is one of the most controversial texts taught in schools. It has been put on and off the ban lists multiple times. Write an essay arguing to either ban the book from the curriculum or keep it in the classroom. Identify and explain at least three reasons why this book is/is not important to read and should/should not be kept in the curriculum.