CATCHER IN THE RYE TEST
The test consists of twelve questions of which you should answer at least ten. By that I
mean that I will count only your best ten answers. It might be to your advantage to
answer all of the questions and let me pick the best ten. I will use any points you receive
on the bonus question to increase your score up to 100%
Please type your answers, or write them on a separate piece of paper. I will not be
counting grammar and spelling AS LONG AS THEY DO NOT INTERFERE WITH
COMPREHENTION.
BE SURE TO NUMBER YOUR ANSWERS!
You may use your notes for the test, on the computer or printed out, but not the book.
Also, for those typing, any use of the internet will void your test.
Here is an example of the type of question you will see and the types of answers I expect:
Question: What is the significance of the Museum of Natural History to Holden?
Possible answer: Killing time before his date with Sally, Holden decides to walk from
Central Park to the Museum of Natural History. Along the way, he remembers in detail
his school trips to the museum. Holden has already demonstrated that he fears and does
not know how to deal with conflict, confusion, and change. The museum presents him
with a vision of life he can understand: it is frozen, silent, and always the same. Holden
can think about and judge the Eskimo in the display case, but the Eskimo will never
judge him back. It troubles him that he has changed each time he returns, while the
museum’s displays remain completely the same. They represent the simple, idealistic,
manageable vision of life that Holden wishes he could live.
Possible answer: Holden tells us the symbolic meaning of the museum’s displays: they
appeal to him because they are frozen and unchanging. He also mentions that he is
troubled by the fact that he has changed every time he returns to them. The museum
represents the world Holden wishes he could live in: it’s the world of his “catcher in the
rye” fantasy, a world where nothing ever changes, where everything is simple,
understandable, and infinite. Holden is terrified by the unpredictable challenges of the
world—he hates conflict, he is confused by Allie’s senseless death, and he fears
interaction with other people.
Test Questions
1) Please describe in detail the meaning of the opening image of the book, that
image being of Holden at the top of a hill looking down on a stadium of people.
2) Holden repeatedly calls himself a “madman.” Using references to Holden and the
book, describe what a “madman” is.
3) What do you think is the importance of Holden’s red hunting hat?
4) Describe Allie’s baseball mitt and it’s importance as a symbol.
5) Explain Holden’s search for identity.
6) What is the importance of the title of the book and the song that it comes from?
7) What is the importance of the character of Jane Gallagher to Holden?
In Chapter 7, we find the following passage:
When I was all set to go, when I had my bags and all, I stood for a while next
to the stairs and took a last look down that goddam corridor. I was sort of
crying. I don't know why. I put my red hunting hat on, and turned the peak
around to the back, the way I liked it, and then I yelled at the top of my
goddam voice, "Sleep tight, ya morons!" I'll bet I woke up every bastard on
the whole floor. Then I got the hell out. Some stupid guy had thrown peanut
shells all over the stairs, and I damn near broke my crazy neck.
Please base questions 8-10 on this passage.
8) What do we learn about Holden in this quote that is supported by other actions in
the book? Be sure to explain your answer.
9) Do you find this to be a fitting beginning to Holden’s journey, or is it very
different from his trip to New York City? Again, explain your answer.
10) Why do you think the author chooses peanut shells to throw all over the stairs?
Why not cigarette butts, or gum wrappers, or some other commonly item that is
thrown away? How does this detail blend in with the rest of the novel?
11) Describe the influence that Phoebe (Holden’s sister) has on Holden? Be sure to
use details from the book to support your answer.
12) On two separate occasions, Holden describes moving away to a remote place and
living in a log cabin. Is this fantasy in concert or out of sync with Holden’s other
fantasies (i.e. Allie, Jane, the Catcher)? Explain your answer with details
Bonus Question
Do you think Holden is a dog person or a cat person? Please explain your answer
with at least one reason and detail from the book.