Researcher - The Great Gatsby

"I don't see how D.b could hate the Army and war and all so much and still like a phony like that. I mean, for instance, I don't see how he could like a phony book like that and still like that one by Ring Lardner, or that other one that he's so crazy about, The Great Gatsby. D.B got sore when I said that, and said I was too young and all too appreciate it, but i don't think so. I told him, I liked Ring Lardner and The Great Gatsby and all. I did, too. I was crazy about The Great Gatsby Old Gatsby. Old Sport. That killed me. Anyway, I'm sort of glad they've got the atomic bomb invented. If there's ever another war, I'm going to sit right the hell on top of it. I'll volunteer for it, I swear to God I will."

Page 141.

The Great Gatsby is a novel by the American author F. Scott Fitzgerald. First published on April 10, 1925, it is set on Long Island's North Shore and in New York City during the summer of 1922 and is a critique of the American Dream. The novel chronicles the chaos of World War I, American society enjoyed unprecedented levels of prosperity during the "roaring" 1920s as the economy soared. At the same time, Prohibition, the ban on the sale and manufacture of alcohol as mandated by the Eighteenth Amendment, made millionaires out of bootleggers and led to an increase in organized crime. Although Fitzgerald, like Nick Carraway in his novel, idolized the riches and glamor of the age, he was uncomfortable with the unrestrainedmaterialism and the lack of morality that went with it, a kind of decadence.

The information above was taken from : http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Great_Gatsby

I selected this because it shows some connection that D.B and share with each other although D.B is much older then Holden is.

Therefore, I am posting this question to everyone, what kind of books do you like? Do you think your siblings ( if you have any) will someday enjoy it too? Why or Why not?

Group Discussion

Topic: To focus on setting and author's craft.

Holden lives in NYC

he doesn't actually like it

they're all "phonies" , hates taking cabs & buses.

He seems to only like central park because he seems to find his happy medium there.

he knows it "backwards & forwards"

Amanda found a quote relating to our discussion & noted it down:

"Well, I hate it. Body, do I hate it" I said. "But it isn't just that. It's everything. I hate living in New York and all. Taxicabs, and Madison Avenue buses, with the drivers and all always yelling at you to get out at the rear door and be introduced to phony guys that call the Lunts angel and going up and down in elevators when you just want to go outside, and guys fitting your pants all the time at Brooks, and people always-" pg. 130

Jenna- Thinks that living in NYC effects his personality; he's rough and tough, he smokes, and in school, he acts as a bully. The only reason he lives in New York right now is because he got kicked out of school.

Jessye- I think it's interesting how at school, Holden seemed to act so tough and as if he was amazing and higher then everyone. At this point he is now hating everyone and everything around him. He can never live in a place that makes him happy, his utopia doesn't exist.

hi sophia, if you check this , this is what we discussed today in class - 3/26/10..

we miss youuu !

Moving Forward

Chapters 3-4

• These few chapters establish the way Holden interacts with his peers. Holden despises “phonies;” or people whose outer behavior disguises their inner feelings. Even his brother D. B. sustains his displeasure by accepting a big paycheck to write for the movies; therefore, Holden considers the movies to be the phoniest of the phony and emphasizes throughout the book the loath in which he feels for hollywood.

• Later, Olden’s interactions also reveal how lonely he is. He describes Ackley as isolated and ostracized, but it’s easy to see similarities between Ackley’s and Holden’s situations. Holden notes that he and Ackley are the only two guys not at the football game. In addition, both are isolated, and both maintain a rough exterior in order to shield themselves from the world that surrounds them. In Ackley especially, we can see the cruelty of the situation. Ackley’s isolation is perpetuated by his annoying habits, but his annoying habits protect him from the dangers of interaction/communication.

“Up home we wear a hat like that to shoot deer in, for Chrissake,” he said. “That’s a deer shooting hat.”
“Like hell it is.” I took it off and looked at it. I sort of closed one eye, like I was taking aim at it. “This is a people shooting hat,” I said. “I shoot people in this hat.” (Chapter 3)

Through this use of effective language, Holden's tone of voice shows a large value of redeemed strength. It is obvious from the start that Holden uses the hat as a mark of individuality and independence. Moreover, here we see how deeply his desire for independence is connected to his feeling of alienation, and to the bitterness he has for the rest of the world. Surely, Holden will not really shoot people in this hat, but it remains a symbol of his search for strength. Holden nevertheless does “shoot people” in his own way; as he is in this "powerful" frame of mind, he expends all of his mental energy into the people around him. Through my eyes, he desires independence because he feels that the world is an "ugly" place that, he feels, deserves only contempt individuals.


Jenna S.

Beginning Thoughts

Beginning Chapters

• First off, Holden Caulfield writes his story from a home to which he has been sent for therapy. He refuses to talk about his early life, mentioning only that his brother D. B. is a Hollywood writer. Holden’s career at Pencey Prep has been marred by his refusal to apply himself, and after failing four of his five subjects.

• In the following chapter, Holden greets Mr. Spencer and his wife in a manner that suggests he is personally close to them. He is put off by his teacher’s rather strict/cold condition but seems otherwise to respect him. In his sickroom, Spencer tries to lecture Holden about his academic failures. He confirms Pencey’s headmaster’s assertion that “life is a game” and tells Holden that he must learn to play by the rules; clearly, although Spencer clearly feels affection for Holden, he somewhat reminds him that he flunked him, and even forces him to listen to the terrible essay he handed in about the Egyptians.

“Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules." "Game, my a**. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right—I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing. No game.” (8, Salinger.)

Through this use of effective language, as the word "life" is repeated, the statement is truly emphasizing the meaning behind life; in a way in which Holden would care for, and comprehend. Moreover, Holden's former teacher is truly advising him about his failures at Pencey; at this point, he lectures Holden about the importance of playing by the rules. in addition, through Holden's tone of voice, we see how alienated he feels. He clearly identifies with those on the “other side” of the game, and he feels alone and victimized; as though the world is against him. At this point in the novel, Holden’s sense of disadvantage and bitterness show his split person, in a way, given his circumstances: he’s clearly a bright boy, but thinks differently of his place in the world, and lacks the application of his knowledge.

-Representing Holden's feeling of separation/division from the world.-

Jenna S.

Researcher - David Copperfield

The story deals with the life of David Copperfield from childhood to maturity. David is born in England in about 1820. David's father had died six months before he was born, and seven years later, his mother marries Mr Edward Murderstone David is given good reason to dislike his stepfather and has similar feelings for Mr Murdstone's sister Jane, who moves into the house soon afterwards. Mr Murdstone thrashes David for falling behind with his studies. Following one of these thrashings, David bites him and is sent away to a boarding school, Salem House, with a ruthless headmaster, Mr. Creakle. Here he befriends James Steerforth and Tommy Traddles, both of whom he meets again later on.

It is written in the first person just like Holden's story. I researched this because Holden compares his life to David Copperfield's even though they are similar. The loss a family member, and dealing with their childhood maturity. They both lived at a boarding / prep school far away from home. Where they both befriend people from the new school

Week 1 Discussion

Amanda Brandell: Literary Luminary

Personality of Holden

- blunt

- sarcastic

- Nonchalant

- Doesn't take life seriously

- Got kicked out of Pencey Prep ( around Christmas )

- He is close to his younger brother Allie.

- Pencey Prep is the 4th school he went to

- Failed 4 out of 5 classes.

- eccentric

- rebellious

- has softer side (like able)

Ackley (dorm mate)

- sympathetic

- uses rebellious attitude as a cover for ; hurt? all emotions? weakness?

- pathological liar?? ("I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life.. I don't even keep my goddam equipment in the gym.")

THIS WEEKS DISCUSSION QUESTION:

Who is David Copperfield and how does this tie into Holdens life?

- David Copperfield- illusionist

"If you really want me to hear about it, the first thing you probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth"

- Using this quote to say that he isn't going to give the "illusion" of a perfect and good childhood to everyone else. That is the comparison to David Copperfield.

We then noticed that David Copperfield is not the illusionist but is the novel created by Charles Dickens. It deals with his childhood and the death of a family member.

Jenna and Sophia contributed to the groups discussion about his childhood.

Jenna stated that he has a rough exterior, which we all agreed upon.

Jessye : Spoke about Allie's leukemia and researched it, found out how it's formed and can be solved etc. Everyone said that it was well written and really well researched.

Researcher - Leukemia

I chose to research leukemia because Holdens younger brother Allie was diagnosed with cancer.

Leukemia is cancer that starts in the tissue that forms blood. To understand cancer, it helps to know how normal blood cells form.

Normal Blood Cells

Most blood cells develop from cells in the bone marrow called stem cells. Bone marrow is the soft material in the center of most bones.

Stem cells mature into different kinds of blood cells. Each kind has a special job:

White blood cells help fight infection. There are several types of white blood cells.

Red blood cells carry oxygen to tissues throughout the body.

Platelets help form blood clots that control bleeding.

White blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets are made from stem cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or get damaged, they die, and new cells take their place.

The picture below shows how stem cells can mature into different types of white blood cells. First, a stem cell matures into either a myeloid stem cell or a lymphoid stem cell:

• A myeloid stem cell matures into a myeloid blast. The blast can form a red blood cell, platelets, or one of several types of white blood cells.



• A lymphoid stem cell matures into a lymphoid blast. The blast can form one of several types of white blood cells, such as B cells or T cells.

The white blood cells that form from myeloid blasts are different from the white blood cells that form from lymphoid blasts.

In a person with leukemia, the bone marrow makes abnormal white blood cells. The abnormal cells are leukemia cells.

Unlike normal blood cells, leukemia cells don't die when they should. They may crowd out normal white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This makes it hard for normal blood cells to do their work.

Types of Leukemia

The types of leukemia can be grouped based on how quickly the disease develops and gets worse. Leukemia is either chronic (which usually gets worse slowly) or acute (which usually gets worse quickly):

• Chronic leukemia: Early in the disease, the leukemia cells can still do some of the work of normal white blood cells. People may not have any symptoms at first. Doctors often find chronic leukemia during a routine checkup - before there are any symptoms.

  Slowly, chronic leukemia gets worse. As the number of leukemia cells in the blood increases, people get symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes or infections. When symptoms do appear, they are usually mild at first and get worse gradually.




• Acute leukemia: The leukemia cells can't do any of the work of normal white blood cells. The number of leukemia cells increases rapidly. Acute leukemia usually worsens quickly.

The types of leukemia also can be grouped based on the type of white blood cell that is affected. Leukemia can start in lymphoid cells or myeloid cells. See the picture of these cells. Leukemia that affects lymphoid cells is called lymphoid, lymphocytic, or lymphoblastic leukemia. Leukemia that affects myeloid cells is called myeloid, myelogenous, or myeloblastic leukemia.

There are four common types of leukemia:

• Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL): CLL affects lymphoid cells and usually grows slowly. It accounts for more than 15,000 new cases of leukemia each year. Most often, people diagnosed with the disease are over age 55. It almost never affects children.

• Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML): CML affects myeloid cells and usually grows slowly at first. It accounts for nearly 5,000 new cases of leukemia each year. It mainly affects adults.

• Acute lymphocytic (lymphoblastic) leukemia (ALL): ALL affects lymphoid cells and grows quickly. It accounts for more than 5,000 new cases of leukemia each year. ALL is the most common type of leukemia in young children. It also affects adults.

• Acute myeloid leukemia (AML): AML affects myeloid cells and grows quickly. It accounts for more than 13,000 new cases of leukemia each year. It occurs in both adults and children.

The risk factors may be different for the different types of leukemia:

• Radiation: People exposed to very high levels of radiation are much more likely than others to get acute myeloid leukemia, chronic myeloid leukemia, or acute lymphocytic leukemia.
• Radiation therapy: Another source of exposure to high levels of radiation is medical treatment for cancer and other conditions. Radiation therapy can increase the risk of leukemia.
• Chemotherapy: Cancer patients treated with certain types of cancer-fighting drugs sometimes later get acute myeloid leukemia or acute lymphocytic leukemia. For example, being treated with drugs known as alkylating agents or topoisomerase inhibitors is linked with a small chance of later developing acute leukemia.

Symptoms

Like all blood cells, leukemia cells travel through the body. The symptoms of leukemia depend on the number of leukemia cells and where these cells collect in the body.

People with chronic leukemia may not have symptoms. The doctor may find the disease during a routine blood test.

People with acute leukemia usually go to their doctor because they feel sick. If the brain is affected, they may have headaches, vomiting, confusion, loss of muscle control, or seizures. Leukemia also can affect other parts of the body such as the digestive tract, kidneys, lungs, heart, or testes.

Common symptoms of chronic or acute leukemia may include:

• Swollen lymph nodes that usually don't hurt (especially lymph nodes in the neck or armpit)



• fevers or night sweats



• Frequent infections



• Feeling weak or tired



• Bleeding and bruising easily (bleeding gums, purplish patches in the skin, or tiny red spots under the skin)


• Swelling or discomfort in the abdomen (from a swollen spleen or liver)



• weight loss for no known reason



• Pain in the bones or joints

Literary Luminary

pages 1-60

" 'They really will. This is about the fourth school I've gone to.' I shook my head. I shake my head quite a lot 'Boy!' I said. I also say 'Boy!' quite a lot. Partly because I act quite young for my age sometimes. I was sixteen then , and I'm seventeen now, and sometimes I act like I'm about thirteen. It's really ironical, because I'm six foot two and a half and I have gray hair. I really do. The one side of my head-the right side-is full of millions of gray hairs. I've had them ever since I was a kid. And yet I still act sometimes like I was only about twelve. Everybody says that, especially my father. It's partly true, too, but it isn't all true. People always think something's all true. I don't give a damn, except that I get bored sometimes when people tell me to act my age. Sometimes I act a lot older than I am-I really do-but people never notice it. People never notice anything." pg. 9

I picked this passage because, again it tells us what type of person Holden is. He tells us about his physical appearances and also about how he acts. He is going to be going to his fifth school pretty soon and is seventeen years old but acts like a thirteen year old. He sounds pretty carefree to me. I think that he just doesn't want to obey any rules because he thinks that people are annoying.

-Do you think that Holden will mature throughout the book?

Amanda Brandell

Literary Luminary

pages 1-60

"I forgot to tell you about that. They kicked me out. I wasn't supposed to come back after Christmas vacation, on account of I was flunking four subjects and not applying myself at all. They gave me frequent warning to start applying myself-especially around midterms, when my parents came up for a conference with old Thurmer-but I didn't do it. So I got the ax. They give guys the ax quite frequently at Pencey. It has a very good academic rating, Pencey. It really does." pg. 4

I chose this passage because it gives us a lot of information. It tells us that Holden got kicked out of his school because he was failing a lot of his classes. It also tells us where he goes to school. I think that this is good because again it gives us an idea of the type of person Holden is and I think that if we grasp the personality of Holden then we can get a better understanding of the story.

-If you were Holden and got kicked out of school, how would you feel?

Amanda Brandell

Literary Luminary

pages 1-60

"If you really want to hear about it, the first thing you'll probably want to know is where I was born, and what my lousy childhood was like, and how my parents were occupied and all before they had me, and all that David Copperfield kind of crap, but I don't feel like going into it, if you want to know the truth. In the first place, that stuff bores me, and in the second place, my parents would have two hemorrhages apiece if I told anything personal about them." pg. 1

I think that this is a really good passage because it gives us an idea to the type of person Holden is. To me he seems like he will be very blunt and straightforward. I also get the feeling that a lot of things will annoy him and he will have a rebel attitude. I think that also he may feel that his parents are ashamed in some way about something because he said that they will "have two hemorrhages apiece if i told anything personal about them."

-Do you agree or disagree with my perception of Holden? Why or why not?

Amanda Brandell

This is our reading schedule for The Catcher in the Rye by J.D Salinger

The Roles are :

Amanda: Literary Luminary

Jessye: Researcher

Jenna: Word Watcher

Sophia: Illustrator

IT IS MANDATORY TO WRITE QUESTIONS AS YOU READ THE BOOK AND EACH WEEK WE WILL DISCUSS THEM. PLEASE KEEP THIS AS A REMINDER!