"Catch" the updates...:)

1. You should by now have checked out the college applications that you plan on submitting, and either printed up the college essay topic (s) or written it (them) down to complete for class.

2. Today and tomorrow will be dedicated to working on your college essays - use your time wisely. A final typed up, double-spaced college essay will be due any time next week (40 pts).

3. Finish up The Catcher in the Rye, commenting on Salinger's purpose, the title, and the symbolism of Holden's red hunting hat and the carrousel. (due for Monday)

Catcher - it kills me, it really kills me...

I hope you are enjoying listening to Holden...it's quite a rollercoaster ride, isn't it? He has us laughing one second and crying another. Typical emotional life of a 16 - 17 year old? (Well, Holden has suffered tremendous loss...)

Please continue to "converse" with Mr. Salinger, and use Post-its for comments, reactions, questions, etc.. Always think about the author's purpose, audience, and writing strategies. Remember we are still focusing on the Narration/Description Writing Mode, so keep in mind the choice of narrator and point of view, word choice, plot and pace, conflict, etc..

Chapters 1 - 7 for Tuesday, Rock-tober 14th
Chapters 8 - 12 for Friday, Rock-tober 17th

Blog Post #2: Discuss what makes Holden a universal, typical teen...worries? angst? opinions? general beliefs? fears? Why is he so sad? Use at least two textual passages (quote and cite) in your lengthy one-paragraph discussion - due by midnight, Tuesday, Rock-tober 21st - 15 pts.

"I still had my red hunting hat on, with the peak around to the back and all. I really got a bang out of that hat" (Salinger 27).

For more information on Mr. Salinger and this famous controversial book, you can visit:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._D._Salinger

From Novel to Screen...Wow! A Sweep of all Five

As we view the five-time-Oscar-winning film One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, you are to finish reading the novel and conversing with Mr. Kesey. The final discussion questions are due for Friday, October 3.

"...that big wide-open laugh of his. Dials twitch in the control panel at the sound of it" (Kesey 22). Start brainstorming ideas for your metaphor paper - remember, it's your own creative piece, written as a narrative story or a descriptive essay. Rough draft is due Tuesday, Oct. 7.

A Newsweek photographer recently traveled the world and documented horrific, deplorable conditions of mental institutions. Take a look - click on the newsweek link, and look for "A Shameful Legacy." http://xtra.newsweek.com/

Remember to start the college application search - look for the essay topics - print them up! We will be working on the dreaded college essay soon!