The Catcher in the Rye final test

Holden Caulfield

The protagonist and narrator, a teenager struggling with feelings of alienation, depression, and a desire to protect childhood innocence.

Pencey Prep

The boarding school that Holden attends, where he feels alienated and disconnected.

Phoniness

A recurring theme in the novel, representing the superficiality Holden associates with adults.

Childhood innocence

The ideal that Holden wishes to preserve, symbolized by his thoughts about ducks and his sister Phoebe.

Mr. Antolini

Holden's former English teacher, who offers guidance but creates confusion with ambiguous behavior.

D.B. Caulfield

Holden's older brother, a screenwriter in Hollywood, whom Holden views as a phony.

Jane Gallagher

A girl from Holden's past whom he admires and feels protective toward.

Ackley

Holden's annoying dorm neighbor at Pencey, known for poor hygiene and social skills.

Stradlater

Holden's charismatic but shallow roommate who dates Jane Gallagher.

Phoebe Caulfield

Holden's younger sister, representing childhood innocence; one of the few characters he feels a genuine connection to.

Allie Caulfield

Holden's deceased younger brother, whose death greatly impacts Holden's views on adulthood and innocence.

Maurice

The elevator operator at Holden's hotel, associated with the prostitute Sunny.

Sunny

A young prostitute sent to Holden's hotel room; symbolizes Holden's discomfort with sexual situations.

James Castle

A student at Pencey who committed suicide, his story highlights the severe consequences of bullying.

The Nuns

Two nuns whom Holden meets; he admires their simplicity and kindness, offering them a donation.

Rudolf Schmitt

The alias Holden uses when lying to Ernest Morrow's mother on the train.

Jim Steele

The name Holden adopts when he meets Bernice and her friends at the Lavender Room.

Grippe

A term referring to the flu, mentioned in the context of Holden's thoughts.

Psychotic break

A term suggested for Holden's mental state when he starts talking to Allie out loud.

Survivor's guilt

Feelings of guilt experienced by Holden due to Allie's death, affecting his mental health.

Frozen Daiquiris

Holden's favorite drink, representing his longing for comfort and connection.

Catcher in the Rye

Holden's dream job symbolizing his desire to protect childhood innocence from the harshness of adulthood.