The title of the book The Catcher in the Rye derives from a poem by Robert Burns, "Comin' Thro' The Rye." An electronic copy can be found here: Comin' Thro' The Rye. As discussed in class, this poem has special significance for Holden and the story that unfolds in the book.

Do you consider Burns' poem to be "good" poetry? Why/ why not? In your opinion, explain what "good" poetry is, and, if you can, provide an example


I don't consider it good poetry because it is too hard to read. It also doesn't make sense when translated. It is about women having their man and kissing their bodies. The poem rhymes and probably means something but it is not good. Good poetry would be a poem i can read and understand it without having to translate every single line.

From Activity I of the Wrap-Up on Catcher in the Rye, would you like to call J.D. Salinger/ one of J.D. Salinger's relatives? If you would, write a paragraph on what you would want to talk to him about and what you would say to or ask him. If not, write a paragraph about the reasons you would not want to talk to him.

After you post, visit a student's blog and read his/ her thoughts on the novel. Leave a comment if you feel you have something to say about the post.


If i could call J.D Salinger i would call him. I would ask him where he got the idea to write about Holden's life. I would ask what he got his inspiration to write the book. If his life just like Holdens. i want to know what happens to Holden after the book end because i would want to know if he went west or stayed home. Also why he ended the book like he did i felt like the book wasn't done when it was over.

-What two health issues does Holden pretend he has in Chapter 20? [Check out pages 150 and 156 if you are unsure.]

-Why do you believe that our main character behaves this way? Support your opinion with a quotation from the text.

Holden pretends to have pneumonia and a headache. Because hes so lonely that he starts thinking differently. If you no friends for a long time and don't have a house you end up going crazy. He also pretends his leg is hurt. He gives a limp and pretends its hurt. And he holds in in a certain way when he sits.

Answer the following in your own blog: With all of the things he perceives as Luce's faults, Holden still hates to see him go. Why?

Holden doesn't want to go because he wants learn more about what he had to say. holden found him interesting to talk to because he was so smart and had a large vocabulary. Holden was lonely also so he didn't want him to leave. Holden got rejected by sally so he had no where else to be.

In addition to providing a comic interlude, what seems to be the point of the scene with the cab driver, Horwitz? How do Holden and Horwitz differ, both in their conversation and as characters

Horwitz is like Holden but worse. Horowitz has a really bad temper and gets annoyed over little things. This is what Holden is like but isn't as easily tempered as Horowitz. Horowitz seems like he has no friends like Holden and are both lonely at times. They even talk alike Horowitz tries to make a point across about Ducks but Holden keeps asking. Horowitz gets so angry like Holden does with Ackley and Straddler.