A growing trend in literature, on screen, and on stage has moved to produce more flawed human protagonists. Paragons of virtue who are brave, capable, and who always do the right thing. Instead of these inspirational heroes, many works feature a complementary archetype: the anti hero.
J.D. Salinger described The Catcher in the Rye as a novel about “an individual’s alienation in a heartless world.” Engage students as they learn about Holden Caulfield's journey with our premade activities and storyboards!
Catcher In The Rye Holden Caulfield as an Antihero
Storyboard Text
INTRODUCTION
Hi, I am Holden Caulfield. I am 16 years old and I am currently undergoing mental health treatment.
CHARACTER TRAITS
...although I failed 4 out of 5 of my classes, it's not my fault. I have this roommate who has BO and forces girls to sleep with him. I also tend to enhance the truth....
DYNAMIC
Well, I do have a few issues I need to work out, like not being able to relate to people and my apathy towards reality, especially my future.
NEGATIVE TRAITS
I never thought my lying and discontent would get me beat up...
POSITIVE TRAITS
...but people still like me because I have morals and values; I see people for who they are and not what they are.
CONCLUSION
Antihero is introduced.
The reader begins to see positive and negative character traits.
The reader learns that the character is dynamic, often having positive and negative traits.
The negitive traits of the protagonist make him an antihero.
...yet his positive attributes give them a redeeming quality.