9th English
Catcher in the Rye & This Boy’s Life
Essay Prompts
Throughout the past few weeks you’ve had the opportunity to read two novels that describe the trials and
tribulations of adolescence. Now here’s your chance to elaborate on your understanding of the two stories. Your
job is to explore what these two authors are saying about being an adolescent in contemporary times. Choose
ONE QUESTION that you feel most comfortable and capable of answering.
As with all other essays, the same rules apply:
 Begin with an introduction paragraph that is complete with a narrative hook, background information (authors
and titles), and a few statements leading to your thesis statement.
 Your body paragraphs must have a clear topic sentence, context, quote, and analysis. Additionally, each body
paragraph needs to have a distinct idea with a minimum of two pieces of evidence for support.
 End your essay with a conclusion that restates your main ideas and provides closure to your essay.
 You must have a UNIQUE title for your essay.
 You must cite your quotations and references with the author of the book and page number. For example,
following a quote you need to write “(Salinger 35)” or “(Wolff 24)”.
 Papers must be typed, Times New Roman 12-pt. font, and proofread for grammar and spelling errors.
Remember, it’s important to gather your thoughts first and try to determine how you should approach this
endeavor. You’ll have to decide how to structure this comparison/contrast essay so that you can best address
these questions. Here are the prompts:
1. One of the themes you’ll find in Catcher in the Rye and This Boy’s Life is the difficulty of finding a place in
the world. Examine this theme. You can specifically look at any of the following issues: grief, social
acceptance, loneliness, relationships, family, death, adulthood/growing up, expectations, phoniness, lying,
failure, or any other comparable issue.
2. What is the problem with Holden and Jack/Toby’s life? Take some time to analyze their lives. Then,
determine what is at the root of their problems. Keep in mind this is more than identifying their problems.
You should also address to what extent do they recognize, address, and cope with their problems.
3. After reading Catcher in the Rye & This Boy’s Life, what is the most important lesson to be learned from
these novels?
4. What do you believe is a significant, unifying theme(s) in both Catcher in the Rye and This Boy’s Life? How
do these authors reinforce their theme(s) throughout the novel?
5. One aspect of a character analysis is to discuss what drives a particular character. Take a look at the episodes
which helped define who Holden and Toby/Jack are. How would you define these characters? What/Who
are the common influences they share?
6. Explore the theme of innocence throughout both novels. Why do both Holden and Jack/Toby think that kids
will be innocent forever? In what moments do they lose their innocence? Cite specific example to support
your ideas.
7. Both Holden and Jack/Toby take on plenty of identities. Do they know who they are? If so, when do they
figure it out? If not, why are they having such a hard time finding themselves? What helps/prevents them
from accepting themselves?
ESSAYS ARE DUE ~ Monday, May 14th