The Catcher in the Rye: Alienation
English
Year 9
6 questions
~12 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
This worksheet examines the theme of alienation in J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye'. Students will explore key passages, analyse literary techniques, and reflect on Holden Caulfield's feelings of isolation and detachment from society.
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The Catcher in the Rye: Alienation
Subject: EnglishGrade: Year 9
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Year 9
A
Scene Summary and Context
In J.D. Salinger's 'The Catcher in the Rye', Holden Caulfield is a teenage boy who feels disconnected from the world around him. After being expelled from his prep school, he wanders New York City, experiencing feelings of loneliness and alienation. Throughout the novel, Holden struggles to find meaningful connections, often criticising the 'phoniness' of adults and peers. His sense of detachment is reinforced by his narrative tone, which is cynical and observant. A key moment illustrating his alienation is when Holden describes himself as 'the biggest screw-up'. His inner conflict manifests as a desire to protect innocence, contrasted with his own feelings of failure and disillusionment. Salinger uses a colloquial, informal style, with frequent use of slang and fragmented sentences, to convey Holden’s subjective experience. This summary sets the scene for analysing how Salinger uses language and technique to depict Holden’s emotional state and the theme of alienation.
1.
Identify a phrase from the summary that hints at Holden's feelings of disconnection.
[2 marks]2.
Explain how Salinger’s use of informal language helps convey Holden’s emotional state.
[3 marks]B
Analysis of Literary Techniques
Holden often uses colloquial language, fragmented sentences, and slang to express his feelings of detachment. His narrative tone is cynical and observational, which reinforces his emotional distance from others. For example, Holden describes people as 'phonies' to emphasise his distrust. His internal monologue frequently features repetitions and rhetorical questions, heightening his sense of confusion and disconnection. One notable technique is the use of first-person narrative, allowing readers to access Holden’s subjective experience directly. Salinger’s use of informal diction and colloquialisms creates an authentic voice that communicates Holden’s alienation vividly.
1.
Identify a literary technique used when Holden describes people as 'phonies' and explain its effect.
[2 marks]2.
Analyse how the first-person narrative contributes to the theme of alienation.
C
Creative Writing Prompt
Imagine you are Holden Caulfield. Write a monologue that captures your feelings of loneliness and disconnection from the world around you. Use informal language and reflect on an incident that made you feel isolated.
1.
Create a list of at least three phrases Holden might use to describe his feelings in your monologue.
[3 marks]2.
Include at least one example of informal language or slang you would use in Holden’s voice.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet