Catcher in the rye

Holden Caulfield

17 year old protagonist; expelled from Pencey Prep

Ackley

Holden’s next door neighbour at Pencey Prep dorms; annoys Holden by cutting toenails and leaving them on the floor

Stradlater

Holden roommate at Pencey; dates Jane Gallagher; handsome, wealthy and popular

Jane Gallagher

One of few girls who Holden respected; dated Stradlater

Allie

Holden’s brother who died of leukemia; is described as smartest in the family; Holden keeps his baseball mitt for memories

DB

Holden’s older brother, is a writer; Holden considers him as a prostitute as he writes for Hollywood movies

Mr Spencer

Holden’s history teacher at Pencey; attempts to help figure out Holden’s problems; Holden hates him as he is old

Red hunting hat

Symbolism of Holden’s uniqueness and individuality

How does Holden let the fencing team down?

On the way to NYC - forgets team equipment on the subway

Why is Holden being expelled from Pencey Prep?

Expelled for failing 4/5 classes. Only passes English

What does Spencer do to annoy Holden?

Read aloud one of Holden’s essays

What does Ackley do to annoy Holden?

He walks around his room, messing with his stuff; Holden begins to “horse around” - Pulling a hunting cap over his eyes and pretending to be blind. - Holden reminds how he sometimes acts like a 12 Y.O; Ackley questions that and informs Holden what it exactly is. Holden strongly disagrees - Ackley cuts his toenails and leaves clipping on the floor.

Who is Stradlater? Why does Holden refer to him as a “secret slob”? What does he look like?

He is a slob, acts like he has it all put together but he does not.

What point is Holden attempting to make about people when he talks about Stradlater and the “Commas” and Ackley’s description of the basketball player?

He tells Holden to add commas into the wrong places of his paper, as Stradlater does not think he is as good of a writer as Holden. Holden thinks it’s dumb as a paper is good based on content, not comma placement. Ackley say that what makes a basketball player is his build, hence annoying Holden because Holden believes what makes a player good is based upon talent and skill.

Why does it make Holden nervous that Stradlater is going out with Jane Gallagher?

As it’s suggested that Jane was his first love and that Holden probably still loves her. Holden is nervous that Stradlater will attempt to make a move on her and possibly even more that Jane would allow him.

Who is Allie and why is his baseball mitt so special to Holden?

Allie wrote poems on his mitt when he was bored out in the outfield. He died young of leukaemia. Notice: At the age of 13, how Holden began to be kicked out from schools after his death. Hence suggesting that his parents wanted him to be psychoanalyzed.

Why did Holden’s parents want to have him psychoanalyzed?

As he punched a window and was acting pretty crazy after Allie’s death; was kicked out of many schools, so his parents though it was the best thing to do; especially as they wanted to seem like they were ‘fixing’ him.

What do Holden and Stradlater fight over?

Holden wants the gossip from the date, but Stradlater states that he “does not kiss and tell”

Holden states that he’s a “pacifist”. What is that and is he really?

Holden is not a pacifist, even though he contemplated the idea.

Why does Holden irrationally decide to visit Ackley’s room?

As he wants to be elsewhere from Stradlater

Where does Holden decide to go afterwards?

To leave for NYC. This was an impulsive decision and was very embarrassed and didn’t really have anyone.

What was his final goodbye to Pencey Prep?

To scream “Sleep tight morons!”

Why does Holden cry as he leaves Pencey Prep?

As he is lonely

What does Holden imply as he states “Mothers are all slightly insane”?

They will always believe the best about their kid

What are some lies Holden tells Mrs Morrow? Do you think he’s as sorry as he says?

That her son is adaptable, modest, kind etc. Holden probably doesn’t feel bad due to his good intentions to make Mrs Morrow proud of her son. Holden also lies about getting intense brain surgery.

Holden calls other phony. In what way is he one?

Maybe he isn’t a phony. But he is self searching and trying to be a person he plans to be. However, he isn’t there yet.

Who is Phoebe? What is H’s opinion of her?

His sister whom he loves. She’s very funny and cool, has nice and spontaneous personality. She is very self assured in comparison to Holden. But is only 10 Y.O.

What evidence is present to show that Holden probably isn’t as old as he says he is?

He thinks he’s mature and older looking even though he isn’t. He got carded, mocked by the girls at the bar and attempts to prove he has grey hair. He is also searching for confidence.

What was Holden’s past relationship like with Jane?

They were really close, almost like crushes. Maybe Jane was his first love. It’s a pretty innocence romance.

Why does Holden leave Ernie’s?

As he saw D.B’s ex girlfriend, Lillian Simmons. He thought she was a phony and assumed she was talking to him so Holden would tell D.B. He sees Lilly as pretentious by standing in the middle of the walkway.

Previously, Holden stated he was a “pacifist”. Does his description of how to deal with the “glove thief”: support this, or is he just “yellow”?

He said he would confront the guy and nicely ask for the glove back. He doesn’t want confrontation, because he is scared and that it would make him a coward. Holden is failing to see himself for who he truly is.

Does Holden have any guilt feelings about Allie? Do you think it’s abnormal or normal?

He has guilty feelings. One time he excluded Allie. This is normal as it shows a very human feeling to have. As it shows human nature. It’s especially worse as death makes it harder to reconcile.

What makes Holden cry?

When the stripper comes in with the pimp. Even though Holden does a good job of standing his ground.

What evidence shows that Holden could’ve made a good actor?

As he acts older than he really is or tells people he is somebody else. Especially as he tries on personalities.

What is the point Holden attempts to make when he elaborates about the suitcases of the nuns and his former roommate?

As his suitcase is much nicer than his roommates, so Holden puts it under the bed. However, it backfires when his roommate takes it out and acts like it’s his. This shows the sympathy from Holden. Additionally, he feels bad for the nuns as he has way more than they do.

How does Holden treat the nuns?

Gives them a donation and tries to pay for their meal, by treating them extremely nice. They are some of the few non corrupt adults that Holden encounters.

Why does Holden think a conversation is spoilt when someone asks about his religion?

As he thinks he will be judged or excluded. He also thinks it could be a class indicator of sorts, and that people are trying to figure out who he is in ways that he believes aren’t valued.

Who does Holden make a date with? Why does he call her up if he thinks she’s a phony?

He calls Sally. As he knew about her interest in theatre and wanted some companionship. He wanted to go to the matinee with her. However, when he is turned on by someone, he pushes the idea aside that they could ever be a phony.

How does Holden treat little kids? Give an example!

He seems caring and is surprised by the respect the children gave. He helped her with their skates and offered her a hot chocolate, as he noticed her cold hands. However, she didn’t accept Holden’s offer. Holden was looking for help to find his sister, but in the end, Holden was the person who helped her.

Does Holden know his way around the city? What does it tell us about him?

He knows the city well, as he wanders and explores. This shows that he grew up there.

How does Holden’s feelings for women compare to his feelings for men?

He loves women and puts them on a pedestal. But, he complains lots about women, even though it’s natural. Additionally, Holden doesn’t seem to have any good guy friendships.

How does Holden feel about actors? How does he feel about the Lunts in particular?

He thinks actors are phonies. Good actors who are too aware of their amazing skill will lose the factor which makes them so great. Especially when someone knows how great they are, it ruins what actually made them great to start with. Humility is then needed.

What is Holden’s point about the difference between men owning a car or horse?

The car shows materialism and a horse shows some sort of a relationship present. It can show that Holden wants to stop the advancement process and does not like progress.

How does Holden describe a boy’s school when talking to Sally?

It’s not about learning to learn, it’s about working towards prosperity, wealth and rewards.

Why does Holden want to take off with Sally now instead of after college? What is the difference within his eyes?

He knows that if he hated her earlier and loves her now, both in the same day, then he knows how his emotions are fleeting. He wants to take advantage of loving her right now. Especially as he yells in public at her, which shows the first time we see him fall apart. Holden thinks society is superficial yet doesn’t go against it. Phony? Mental illness? He is not well at this particular point in his life.

What is Holden’s opinion of the Christmas show at Radio City?

he knows it’s meant to be religious but he “can’t see anything religious or pretty.” He says how Jesus wouldn’t notice the pretty costumes or acting, it would be the drummer.

Why did Holden think the woman who cried through the movie was a phony?

As she wouldn’t let her son use the restroom. Since she cried so much, Holden says that. “nine times out of ten they’re mean bastards at heart.”

Why did Holden get mad at Luce for calling his old girlfriend the “\*\*\*\*\* of New Hampshire”?

Holden idolizes women. Luce should respect her and not shame her for anything as she did “sexy” things with him. This is a double standard since he did the same exact things with her.

Who was Luce to Holden?

Someone who went to school with Holden at Whooton. Holden doesn’t particularly like him, he even calls him, “strictly a pain in the ass.” Luce seems very homophobic as does Holden in this chapter. Luce is probably not the person he makes himself out to be as he gives sex talks, even though he is likely, not experienced.

How does Holden “act” again in this chapter?

Acts really drunk, and talks to the piano player. But also calls Sally in the middle of the night. he’s very intrusive and doesn’t pay attention to the normal standards. Also acts lonelier and reckless since he’s drunk. But now he’s also a mess since he’s crying in the bathroom. Holden also acts likes he has a stomach wound and wants to know what people would think if he died. Who would care about him? This is a physical representation of him. He is trying to keep it from people, even though he would be willing to share if anyone asked about his situation.

What happens to Holden at the Wicker Bar?

He talks to the pianist at the bar. He needed someone to talk to since he’s “feeling so damn depressed and lonesome.”

What happens to Phoebe’s record?

It breaks. Holden cries and feels guilty. Gives Phoebe the pieces even though it had broke.

Where does Holden go right after he leaves the bar?

He goes to the phone booth and calls Sally Hayes. Then, he gors to the duck pond in Central Park.

What information does Holden finally tell us about Allie’s funeral?

That he missed it due to him still being in the hospital after he hurt his hand. Thus feels lots of guilt for this.

What does Holden say about Allie that contradicts all his other statements about being an atheist?

Holden say he knows that Allie’s soul is in Heaven. Holden says that because it makes him feel better that Allie is someplace better.

After he leaves the park, where does Holden go?

He went home after he left the park.

What does Holden find so intriguing about Phoebe’s notebook?

He was intrigued because Phoebe wrote her middle name as “Weatherfield” when it actuality, it is “Josephine.” Holden is charmed by her innocence.

Why did it depress Holden when an “Old guy” tells him that his days at Pencey were the happiest days of his life?

Holden didn’t have that experience and he thought it was phony and the fact that it was about his future made him upset.

What does it tell us about Holden when Phoebe states, “You don’t like anything that’s happening”?

As this tells us how he is really depressed and doesn’t really know what he likes. He is immature, and likes to argue as he can’t see the good in anything and Phoebe calls him out upon it.

Why does Holden think about James Castle when Phoebe asks him to name one thing that he likes a lot? Why does he deny really knowing James? What does it tell us about Holden when he says, “Just because somebody’s dead, you don’t just stop liking them, for God’s sake -- especially if they were a thousand times nicer than the people you know that’re alive and all”?

He thinks about James because he is thinking about the cruelty in the world making him go crazy. It is a perfect example of how cruel people bully the weak people. It shows Holden’s inability to concentrate and proves Phoebe’s point that he doesn’t really like anything. He likes that James isn’t phony and won’t back down when he is being bullied. He and James never talked and weren’t really friends, but James borrowed Holden’s sweater once (the sweater he killed himself in). He is still hung up on Allie’s death and doesn’t want to forget about him. He feels really alone and Allie was one of the only people he actually liked.

What does Holden tell Phoebe he’d like to be?

Holden says he would like to be a catcher in the rye, and stand at the edge of the cliff and catch the children when they are close to falling off, He has a desire to keep children innocent and wants to save them.

Who is Mr. Antolini?

Mr. Antolini is Holden’s old teacher from Elkton Hills. He was Holden’s favourite teacher. he told Holden to get his life together.

How does Phoebe cover for Holden when their parents came home?

By saying that she was smoking (Holden had been smoking a cigarette earlier). She said she took one puff to help her sleep.

In talking with her parents how does Phoebe “sound” like Holden?

Phoebe is similar to Holden because she is sassy, and she was lying to them. She also uses the word “lousy”. She sounds like Holden because she tries to sound more matures than she really is.

What does Phoebe do that make Holden cry?

Phoebe makes Holden cry when she gives him all of her Christmas money.

What does Holden give to Phoebe?

Holden gives Phoebe his red hunting hat and pieces of the broken record.

Why did Holden fail his speech class?

He didn’t go to class. He liked when people digressed from their topic.

How does Holden feel physically while he talks to Mr. Antolini?

Holden feels ill while taking to Mr. Antolini

What does Holden say about him hating people such as Ackley and Stradlater?

He doesn’t hate people consistently, but when they do certain things.

What does Antolini’s quote mean, “the mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one”?

Holden’s cause is getting rid of phoniness immature.

How does Antolini upset and scare Holden?

Mr. Antolini was stroking Holden’s head, and Holden thinks he is pulling a homosexual advance.

Later, after he has had time to think about it, what does Holden think about Antolini?

Holden started questioning himself and realised his judgement was a little off.

Why does the article on hormones upset Holden?

He realised he had the bad hormones that the article described.

What strange feeling does Holden start to have when he steps off the curbs?

He feels like he won’t make it to the other side of the curb and will disapper.

Why does he keep repeating “Allie, don’t let me disappear”?

He’s alone, nobody knows that he is in the city and feels weak, unseen, almost sick. He is pleading with Allie to watch him so that he literally does not disappear into the bigness of New York, his mind, or possibly life itself.

What does Holden decide he must do next? Where does he first go?

He decided he must go west to work on a ranch. He is going to say goodbye to Phoebe and have lunch with her.

With all the bad language that Holden uses, why was he so upset that curse words were written on a school wall?

He loves the innocence of children and feels this bad language takes away the innocence of children.

How does Holden treat the two small boys in the museum?

He is very kind to the boys and takes them to the mummy area of the museum.

Why is it so important to Holden that Phoebe not be mad at him? Relate this to his past, and Allie.

He doesn’t want Phoebe to be mad at him and then die like Allie did - guilt.

What does Holden mean when he states, “The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything to them”?

You have to let children try it on their own first. “let them scrape their knee so they know.”

What is the carrousel symbolic of?

It is cyclical; life keeps going and going. It symbolizes childhood; Holden is afraid of growing up.

What does Holden mean when he says, “Don’t even tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”?

Don’t get close to anyone. They will leave or disappoint you.

“Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.” Who says this?

Mr. Spencer

“Up home we wear a hat like that to shoot deer in, for Chrissake … That’s a deer shooting hat.” Who says this?

Ackley

“This is a people shooting hat … I shoot people in this hat.” Who said this?

Holden

“Game, my ass. Some game. If you get on the side where all the hot-shots are, then it’s a game, all right - I’ll admit that. But if you get on the other side, where there aren’t any hot-shots, then what’s a game about it? Nothing. No game.” Who says this?

Holden

“I’m just going through a phase right now. Everybody goes through phases and all, don’t they?” Who states this?

Holden

“I’m quite illiterate, but I read a lot.” Who said this?

Holden

“Sleep tight, ya morons!” Who states this in the novel?

Holden

“Then I started reading this timetable I had in my pocket. Just to stop lying. Once I get started, I can go on for hours if I feel like it. No kidding. Hours.” Who said this?

Holden

Who get fixated on the fish in the lagoon?

Horowitz, the cab driver

Who invites Holden to join her and her Navy date?

Lillian

Who hangs out at the dingy hotel bar hoping to meet celebrities?

Faith Cavendish

“You know those ducks in that lagoon right near Central Park South? That little lake? By any chance, do you happen to know where they go, the ducks, when it gets all frozen over? Do you happen to know, by any chance?” Who states this in the novel?

Holden

Who is irritated that Holden, a complete stranger, called her?

Faith Cavendish

Who asks Holden to write his essay for him?

Stradlater

Who complains about the essay he asked Holden to write for him?

Stradlater

“Interested in a little tail t’night?” Who said this?

Maurice

“If you want to know the truth, I’m a virgin. I really am. I’ve had quite a few opportunities to lose my virginity and all, but I’ve never got around to it yet.” Who states this?

Holden

Who calls Holden a “crumb-bum”?

Sunny