This is a reader response exercise. It is clear that Catcher or O’Connor’s short stories have evoked some emotion or thought in many of you, whether revulsion, confusion, praise, condemnation, tolerance, inspiration, boredom, and so on. Whatever that thought process or emotion is, please hold on to it. Now, think about three concrete reasons or literary devices used within just one of the stories that you have read this semester that have helped evoke this reaction from you. Reasons and literary devices will vary. Here are just a few: characterization, setting, plot pattern, tone, narrative style, diction, descriptions, symbolism, use of hyperbole, use of foreshadowing, cultural sentiments, political message(s), use of religion, resolution, theme, profanity, racial discord, originality or lack thereof, rebellion against power structures, ambiguity...etc. Once you have selected the story and the three reasons/devices, write a simple essay (five paragraphs are sufficient) examining how those three elements have aroused the respective thought or emotion in you. Please note that your essay must include evidence from the story in each supporting paragraph, and it must not exceed four pages, counting the Work Cited page.

Helping Note: Thesis is the emotion/thought that is incited, and plan of development points are the three reasons/literary devices that have stirred this reaction. You may write this essay in the first person, if you prefer.

Answer preview

We term books as great not because they have fantastic or unique literary devices, but because of the universal and timeless in the emotions they evoke within people. The Catcher in the Rye is one of the few books I have read, and out of it, I have developed some emotions toward it and that of the main antagonist. It’s an authentic book I would say. Its genuine in its examination of sexuality of teenage and a deep feeling of anxiety and dread of the main character…