Our block days this week were a "multimedia bonanza extravaganza". We spent the better part of the class period discussing the bizarre and mysterious Catcher in the Rye/John Lennon/Mark David Chapman connection. Please read the Lesson Notes below - they contain a detailed summary of the lesson. As you know, Mark David Chapman shot and killed John Lennon in 1980 and claimed that he did it because of Catcher in the Rye. In fact, when police responded to the scene, they found Chapman sitting on the curb reading the book beside Lennon's body. Inside the front cover, he had written "This is my statement." Our time in class today was spent trying to figure out why someone would be so compelled to commit such a tragic act against a cultural icon and someone who was very much loved and revered by the public. After reading the Lesson Notes, watch the video clips below and read the articles. We spent quite a bit of time discussing the possible connections between Holden and Lennon, Holden and Chapman, and themes in Catcher. The rest of the block period was spent watching a clip from the film Pleasantville - a movie that makes several connections to Catcher in the Rye, provides some insight into 1950's culture in America, and deals with some of the essential questions for the course that we've been discussing. We will be watching a few more clips from this film next week (sorry, not the whole thing) as well as some clips from other films. For this weekend, make sure you read through Chapter 18. There will be a quiz on Monday. Also, please remember that your first blog assignment is due Saturday by midnight, no later. I will not accept this assignment late as you have had a full week to do it and ample time to see me if you've had difficulty! Lesson Overview Notes 9.17/18
"Imagine" by John Lennon (pay attention to the contrast in lighting in this video - how does it relate to the subjects of idealism, innocence, and childhood?)
Compilation Video of John Lennon (ignore the statements about Lennon that are interspersed throughout, as this was created by someone and put on YouTube. Pay attention to his behavior - what might it say about his character and how he deals with fame?)
(Please note: some of the links will not be working until Monday)
1 comment:
With that picture of John Lennon and his wife is just such a strong picture because it connects with his song "Help" in a huge way. The picture almost seems as he is asking for help just like in his song.
The Troubled Youth. Mark Chapman who was the killer of John Lennon has a lot of mixed feelings I believe for John Lennon. When he was younger he would fantasize about being a king. Also to a lot of people John Lennon was considered a king. But Mark had no real friends and John did. So I think Mark was a little jealous about that. Then Mark changed into the style John was so much noticed for maybe to be like him. Mark did drugs which took over himself. Then when he got religious John quoted “ We are more popular than Jesus” , that set off Mark and he killed John Lennon.
I think the drugs messed with Mark’s head and he believed he was Holden.
John Lennon shows that he can not deal with fame well. He seems annoyed at the beginning but even with him singing he seems so nervous but pretty happy I guess. And for his character I think he has great character. The news clips just show how important John Lennon was to America and how big of an impact he had.
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