The Catcher in the Rye - Coming of Age
English
Grade 8
7 questions
~14 mins
1 views0 downloads
About This Worksheet
A worksheet covering The Catcher in the Rye with a focus on coming of age themes, designed for Grade 8 students to analyze language and literary techniques.
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The Catcher in the Rye - Coming of Age
Subject: EnglishGrade: Grade 8
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Untitled Worksheet
Grade Grade 8
A
Scene Summary and Context Guide
The Catcher in the Rye, written by J.D. Salinger, follows the story of Holden Caulfield, a teenage boy navigating the complexities of adolescence and the transition into adulthood. The novel opens with Holden recounting his experiences after being expelled from Pencey Prep, a private school. Throughout the story, Holden struggles with feelings of alienation, existential questions, and a desire to protect innocence—particularly that of children. As he wanders New York City, Holden reflects on his past, his relationships, and his sense of identity. Key themes include the loss of innocence, the confusion of growing up, and the critique of adult society. The phrase 'phoniness' recurs throughout the novel, highlighting Holden’s disdain for perceived superficiality in adults. Holden’s use of language is colloquial and sometimes sarcastic, emphasizing his youthful voice and emotional turbulence. For example, Holden describes the world as full of 'phony' people, which underscores his deep-seated conflict with maturity and societal expectations. This summary provides context for understanding how Salinger’s language and literary devices contribute to the overarching theme of coming of age.
1.
Identify one phrase from the summary that highlights Holden’s attitude towards adults. How does this phrase reflect his perspective?
[2 marks]2.
What is the main theme discussed in this summary related to coming of age?
[2 marks]3.
Explain how Holden’s use of colloquial language contributes to his character development.
[3 marks]4.
Identify and explain the literary device used in the phrase 'world as full of phoniness.'
[3 marks]5.
Based on the summary, what is Holden’s primary emotional struggle related to growing up?
[2 marks]6.
Describe how the theme of innocence is portrayed in the summary.
[2 marks]7.
Analyze how the phrase 'struggles with feelings of alienation' helps develop Holden’s character.
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Details
- Created
- 12/31/2025
- Updated
- 12/31/2025
- Type
- worksheet