The assignment is described as such, ” For this essay, you will argue what you feel is the primary meaning of your chosen text (either Pride and Prejudice, Brave New World, or The Catcher in the Rye) and show how this meaning is revealed in the work. You can choose from many different literary elements for this paper—such as theme, plot, characterization, the use of literary/rhetorical devices, tone, symbols or motifs, etc.—or you can explore a critical “problem” in one of these texts—a frequently discussed and unresolved issues in the literary criticism. But ultimately your paper should argue an overall point: both WHAT the text’s key meaning is and HOW this meaning is revealed.”
I chose to write about Catcher in the Rye which is the only source you need to quote from, because you can choose anything to write about the thesis should be along the lines of this, “The purpose of Holden’s story is to preserve one’s childhood as long as possible as the preservation of childhood is also the preventative means of becoming a “phony”” This is what the entire paper should revolve around, use evidence from the book to back this up. VERY IMPORTANT to adequately analyze the text, my teacher wants us to take a VERY close look into the language of the quotes, as in how specific, individual words convey a deeper meaning and one that relates to the Thesis. try an use evidence from across the book but don’t over-quote. Lastly, I have some examples of what I mean by the thesis which I will lay out for you to expand on with evidence. First, Holden hates New York as it epitomizes American consumerism related to adulthood and growing up. Holden’s purpose is to be the “Catcher in the Rye” as he wants to keep them from growing up and becoming phony like himself. This brings me to a big point, Holden himself wants to prevent kids from growing up as his childhood was cut short by the death of his brother Allie. In this shortcut childhood, Holden had to grow up and try and be a phony to fit in but ultimately hates himself and those around him for it. He also is more distant from his brother DB as he is the epitome of consumerism-driven adulthood, of the phonies, and what’s phonier than acting as someone else at the movies? Lastly, Holden has such a hard time fitting in as he can’t even accept himself. Write this essay with one indtorduction paragraph to set up thesis then CEW, claim, evidence, warrant, body paragrpahs and end with conclusion paragraph. Thank you!
