The Catcher in the Rye

1. The Catcher in the Rye By J.D. Sallinger

2. Lesson One: Conformity vs. Phony • How would you define these two terms? • What are some synonyms that you might give for each? • What is the difference between conformity and phony?

3. “Shy Guy” educational film clip from the 1950s • What does the narrator say is the young man’s problem? • What happens when the young man asks his father how he (the father) fit in at the office? • What advice does Dad give the young man about fitting in? • Is it okay to be different? Is it really okay to be different?

4. Conformity in the 1950s During the 1950s, a sense of uniformity pervaded American society. Conformity was common, as young and old alike followed group norms rather than striking out on their own. Though men and women had been forced into new employment patterns during World War II, once the war was over, traditional roles were reaffirmed. Men expected to be the breadwinners; women, even when they worked, assumed their proper place was at home. Sociologist David Riesman observed the importance of peer-group expectations in his influential book, The Lonely Crowd. He called this new society "other-directed," and maintained that such societies lead to stability as well as conformity. Television contributed to the homogenizing trend by providing young and old with a shared experience reflecting accepted social patterns.

5. What do you notice about this picture? ALL EYES ARE ON… FATHER Because Father Knows Best (1950s TV Show)

6. Holden: “I’m a terrific liar” • Each group will read 1-2 excerpts from the novel. • As a class, decide if Holden is… • Conforming to social norms • Acting like a dreaded “phony” • Whom would Holden identify as a fraud/liar/phony or as a true/sincere person? • Spencer • Stradlater • Jane • Ackley • Allie