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Essay #3 Prompt
For this essay you will research an aspect of J. D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye that is interesting
to you and consider how it relates to this prompt:
Argue whether or not examining Catcher in the Rye through the lens of New
Criticism is feasible. Should we, as an audience, associate the life of J. D.
Salinger with our critical analysis of his novel, or not?
You can choose to research one of the many themes from the book: sexuality, the artificial,
mental illness, justice, etc. You will also examine the life of Salinger as it relates to the novel.
You are required to do outside research for this paper. You must use three (3) scholarly/peer
reviewed/academic sources in your paper. It is also suggested that you use biographical
information about Salinger, I recommend the documentary, Salinger, directed by Shane Salerno.
Of course, you should use the source text, Catcher in the Rye, as well. Lastly, you must cite
from Leroy Searle’s essay, “New Criticism.”
Therefore, at minimum, your Works Cited page will have six (5/6) entries:
1. Catcher in the Rye
2. Salinger (documentary) [optional]
3. “New Criticism”
4. Outside source
5. Outside source
6. Outside source
A successful paper will have:
– A clearly stated thesis
– Evidence from the novel
– Evidence from the documentary
– Evidence from the essay
– Evidence from each outside source
– Abundant critical thinking and analysis engaging with the evidence as it relates to the
thesis of your paper.
– Organization
– Strong transitions
– Proper formatting
DUE DATE: F

riday, 10 June (last day of class); 11:59 pm CANVAS
Essay requirements:
– 2000 word minimum (indicate your word count at the end of the paper)
– MLA formatting:
12 pt font = TIMES NEW ROMAN
double spaced 1?
margins
no space between paragraphs
– Your title should be centered. Do not skip a line between title and text.
– in-text citations
– works cited page
– three (3) outside sources (scholarly/peer reviewed/academic)
Note: failure to meet an essay requirement will lead to the paper being lowered by one letter
grade. If you miss more than one requirement, your paper will be lowered by more than one
letter.
RUBRIC:
– “A”: The essay has little to no grammatical mistakes and follows the conventions of
standard academic English. The essay displays a high degree of critical thinking and
planning.
– “B”: The essay has a minimal number of grammatical mistakes and follows the
conventions of standard academic English. The essay displays an above average
degree of critical thinking and planning.
– “C”: The essay has a tolerable number of grammatical mistakes and loosely follows
the conventions of standard academic English. The essay displays an average degree
of critical thinking and planning.
– “D”: The essay has an unacceptable number of grammatical mistakes and barely
follows the conventions of standard academic English. The essay displays a below
average degree of critical thinking and planning.
– “F”: The essay fails to attempt to fulfill the prompt in any way.
DUE DATE: Friday, 10 June (last day of class); 11:59 pm CANVAS