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AS and A Level: J.D. Salinger

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Marked by Teachers essays 3
Peer Reviewed essays 3

Why is symbolism in the Catcher in the Rye so important?

4 star(s)

patently obvious to the reader that this violent reaction was due to anger and pain caused by the death of his brother Allie. Salinger uses the symbol of Holden's hand that 'still hurts me once in a while' (39) to show us that the death of Allie still causes Holden great emotional pain. He also uses the hand to show that The death of Allie has weakened Holden 'I can't make a real fist anymore - not a tight one' and led him to mentally 'come undone'.
- Word count: 1095
Critical Essay: 'The Catcher In the Rye' "Choose a novel which deals with the theme of isolation. By referring to the novel closely, examine the techniques the writer uses to portray this theme."

3 star(s)

An example of this is shown after his fight with Stradlater when he admits to himself that he was "feeling so lonesome and rotten, I even felt like waking Ackley up". This quotation clearly illustrates the extent of Holden's loneliness at Pencey and is a strong indication of how he is an outsider. This is because, through Holden's narration, the reader has learnt that Ackley is one of Pencey's social rejects and is someone who people rarely talk to, let alone confide in.
- Word count: 1249

Conclusion analysis

Good conclusions usually refer back to the question or title and address it directly - for example by using key words from the title.
How well do you think these conclusions address the title or question? Answering these questions should help you find out.

Do they use key words from the title or question?

Do they answer the question directly?

Can you work out the question or title just by reading the conclusion?

"it is immoral and cannot be taught in our schools" - Discuss

"The virtuousness, morality, or principles are as apparent as the depravities throughout the novel of The Catcher In The Rye. Although when you actually read and examine the book you realize that there are no immoralities. The only way you can come to that conclusion, is with ignorance and a lack of knowledge. To fully recognize and understand the hidden ideas or picture the author is trying to portray in the readers' minds you need knowledge and insight."

AS and A Level: J.D. Salinger

Why is symbolism in the Catcher in the Rye so important?

Critical Essay: 'The Catcher In the Rye' "Choose a novel which deals with the theme of isolation. By referring to the novel closely, examine the techniques the writer uses to portray this theme."

Conclusion analysis

Marked by a teacher

Peer reviewed

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