This vocabulary lesson plan covers key words from *The Catcher in the Rye* by J.D. Salinger.
Subject: English Language Arts · Grade: 9–11 · Time: 30–40 minutes
Key vocabulary
| Word | Definition | Context in novel |
|---|---|---|
| Phony | Fake, insincere | Holden calls everyone a phony |
| Alienation | Isolation from others | Holden's alienation is central |
| Innocence | Freedom from guilt or corruption | Holden wants to protect innocence |
| Cynical | Distrusting of human sincerity | Holden's cynical worldview |
| Melancholy | A deep sadness | Holden's melancholy pervades the novel |
| Pretentious | Attempting to impress | Holden despises pretentious people |
| Depression | A mental state of low mood | Holden shows signs of depression |
| Disillusionment | Disappointment from discovering the truth | Holden is disillusioned with adulthood |
| Vulgar | Lacking sophistication or good taste | Holden finds the adult world vulgar |
| Sardonic | Grimly mocking or cynical | Holden's sardonic narration |
Activity: Vocabulary storyboard
- Open Storyboard Creator
- Choose 5 vocabulary words
- For each word, create a panel with definition, sentence and illustration
- Export PDF or share a live link