Station 5: Thematic Practice: The Catcher in the Rye
Directions: In the space provided, define and identify the topics listed then evaluate and
justify why they might constitute a universal idea. How might they affect the behavior of a
character in a novel?
For Example:
Topic
Define: What does it mean?
Appearance vs. Reality
-Not being able to distinguish
what is real and what is not.
-Situations or actions that are
ironic.
Now work together to complete the chart on the back of this page.
Evaluate: How might this be
true?
Considering the limitations of
human understanding and
knowledge, fictional characters
are often blocked by faulty
information or their own
misconceptions.
Topic
Alienation as a form of
protection
Loss of innocence
Anger to deflect pain
Confrontation of fear
Failure as achievement
Guilt for wrong-doings (sins)
Disgust with hypocrisy of the
adult world
Define: What does it mean?
Evaluate: How might this be
true?