Vanessa

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Title you create for the reading you’ve done: Waiting for Change

Date: April 28th 2010

Significant Quote: "The best thing, though, in that museum was that everything always stayed right where it was. Nobody’d move. You could go there a hundred thousand times..Nobody’d be different. The only thing that would be different would be you...I can't even explain what I mean" (157) Explanation: This quote is very important because it shows what is deep in Holden's thoughts, and it is something that he has a strong feeling on. He thinks that we change because of all of our experiences, good and bad. It makes us different people. Some people grow and become stronger, and others get weary and depressed. He is analyzing his accomplishments and how many times he has disappointed his family. He sees that he has become a different person, and begins reminiscing some childhood memories. Holden also feels very isolated from other people and thinks life should simply stay still like in the museum.

HOT Q: Why doesn't Holden just return home and confront his family? Why is he wandering around Manhattan when he has a family that he hasn't seen in a while?

Your Answer to the HOT Q: I think that Holden doesn't want to return home because he is ashamed that he has failed four courses and got kicked out of college. He is tired of disappointing his family, and just wants a few days to himself to think and be free. He is spending his time in a hotel, talking to women, and observing other people. He likes wandering around Manhattan so he can have time to figure out what he wants to do with his life.

Connection: I can make a Text-To-Text-Connection between A Catcher and the Rye and A Million Little Pieces because there are a lot of similarities. Both of the main characters, Holden and Jimmy struggle with mental issues and making important decisions in life. Jimmy aches everyday with the mistakes he has made and always sees his mother upset. Holden knows how his parents are going to react, which is another reason why he is putting off his return to home. Both characters try to avoid the real world and try to protect themselves by isolation. Holden and Jimmy both have no friends at all, and struggle with their own social lives. They prefer to be independant and to always have their guard up. These characters have a lot in common.