Catcher in The Rye

Holden Caulfield

The 16-year-old narrator of The Catcher in the Rye who is rebellious and disenchanted.

Pencey Prep

The prestigious boarding school from which Holden Caulfield has been expelled.

Phoniness

A term used by Holden to describe the insincerity he perceives in the adult world.

Catcher in the rye

Holden's fantasy of protecting the innocence of children, where he imagines himself catching them before they fall off a cliff.

Alienation

A central theme in the novel, representing Holden's feelings of disconnect from the world around him.

Phoebe Caulfield

Holden's younger sister, who symbolizes innocence and provides comfort to him during his struggles.

Mental crisis

Holden's emotional breakdown as he grapples with the pressures of adulthood and the inevitable changes in life.

Themes of the novel

Alienation, depression, loss of innocence, and the challenges of transitioning from childhood to adulthood.

Ambiguous ending

The conclusion of the novel where Holden is in a psychiatric facility, leaving his future uncertain.

Adolescence

The stage of development central to the narrative, highlighting Holden's struggles with identity and maturity.