Over the course the year, Mr. Allen’s English classes has been consistent of monthly Socratic seminars, discussing various topics. Either relating to the material of the books we discuss in class or a topic that is present in our society, students slowly discuss major points, details, and any confusion during the seminar. I believe I relatively participate an efficient amount of times during these seminars, as I always try to express my ideas or questions when given the right time. Regarding the Socratic seminar that was held on January 15, students were given a video entitled, “American Masters: Edward Norton's Analysis of "The Catcher in the Rye" | Salinger | PBS”, and two articles, “Everyone has problems, don't they?”, written by editors …show more content…
Salinger. The students were given three sources to look at and make comments about, a video entitled, “American Masters: Edward Norton's Analysis of "The Catcher in the Rye" | Salinger | PBS”, and two articles, “Everyone has problems, don't they?”, written by editors at the National Youth Agency's Young Researcher Network and the Coalition for Young People, and “Growing up digital: How the Internet affects teen identity”, by Chandra Johnson. The seminar started off with the discussion of technology is prominent in our everyday lives and how most people are app dependant in their lives. One student, Caroline, commented on how this explains why having a phone or an electronic device is somewhat of a necessity. We are expected to do things, such as being able to be contacted or telling our parents that we are in safe situation. The discussion then slowly moved towards to the video, “American Masters: Edward Norton's Analysis of "The Catcher in the Rye" | Salinger | PBS”, and Norton’s perspective on Holden in The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger. He stated, “...it’s a first person narrative, and in a sense, it’s a totally unreliable source of information…”. The class discussed how the majority of us agreed with Norton and how Holden only tells things in his perspective. One peer, Stanley, pointed out how Holden in a unreliable narrator as the thoughts in his head and the dialogue contradict each other, as the dialogue reveals more truth about what’s going on and about Holden. I agree with his statement, as it is true that Holden is only telling certain things about himself, however, as the novel goes on, it is revealed to the reader all the sorts of things about Holden that he is not telling about himself.