C a t t c h e r r i i n t t h e R y e e F a n F i i c t t i i o n
Fan Fiction is an Internet phenomenon. There are actually people who do this kind of writing without being assigned! I hope that you’ll enjoy this assignment as though you were doing it just for the fun of it, and not just because I’m offering extra credit!
Here’s how it works:
Traditional fan fiction is a logical preview or extension of what we know about the characters in the book. You could write about the missing time between Holden at the carousel and the end of the story, but you probably shouldn’t write about how Maurice was a choir boy when he was 12. It just wouldn’t follow that he became the man he is in the book. It would be all right though to write about some relationship, which could account for the brutality he displays today.
If you would like to see an example of fan fiction over The Catcher in the Rye, Click on this link: http://www.angelfire.com/journal2/afdiary/fanfic.htm
. And for several examples of fan fiction on other books you have read try fanfiction
Your Turn: Write a piece of traditional fanfiction or rewrite a classic story (fairy tale, children’s book, etc.) in Holden Caulfield’s style. It should be full of Salinger sentences, with as much slang as you can think of though it would be a good idea to watch the profanity. It can be funny, serious, whatever, but it should be a minimum of 1-2 pages, depending on spacing. Pick a subject or story that Holden would find thought-provoking. (Yeah, like Holden ever really thinks! For a smart guy, he sure is a moron for chrissakes. I don’t even want to think about it. It kills me.)
Characteristics of Holden’s Style
1.
use of slang (“lousy,” “crumby,” “moron”)
2.
curse words (esp. goddam and ____ as hell)
3.
repetition of certain phrases (“kills me,” “I really mean it”)
4.
vagueness (“and stuff”)
5.
exaggeration (“in about a thousand magazines”)
6.
contradiction (“I’m quite illiterate, but I read a lot.”)
7.
avoidance (“My hand hurts me…I don’t care much.”)
8.
digression (everywhere apparently)
Warnings:

Remember that Holden does not say everything that he thinks. Neither should you. Look back at how he talks to teachers and other adults. Hint, hint.
 Stay true to Holden’s era. Do not modernize the curses or update the slang. If Holden didn’t use the word, you can’t use it.

Talk the talk . . . but dig deeper than just the words. Create a piece of writing that moves as
Holden’s language moves – avoiding, contradicting, digressing – you know.