Pre-Reading for 'Catcher in the Rye'

Before we begin the book, I want to bring to the surface some big questions explored not only in the book, but as we concluded 'One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest' as well.

With the pre-reading discussion questions you received today, I want you to choose one to elaborate on for your first blog entry. Continue to express your answer to the question, as well as connect with personal/societal examples, other material from class, etc. This will be your first blog entry for the week; therefore, you must also respond to your classmate's writing as well! Start up a conversation, initiate an argument, and begin to set the tone for reading Catcher in the Rye.

Here are the pre-reading questions again in case you left your handout at school:
1. What does it mean to be alienated or separated from others? Describe a time when you or someone you know has been alienated. Why did this occur? What did the person do?

2. What is the difference between adulthood and childhood? When do you move from one to the other? Are you looking forward to becoming an adult? Why or why not?

3. Explain two struggles you or others face as you/they move from childhood to adulthood.

4. Why do teenagers feel the need to rebel against the rules or against other people?

5. How do we as citizens of America and/or individuals deal with others who do not share our perspective of truth?

6. Is life a game? If so, what are the rules? What happens if one does not play by the rules?