Catcher in the Rye questions ch. 21-26
Ch. 21
1.
When Holden sneaks back into his apartment, whom does he wake?
What do they discuss? What are the reactions that occur?
2.
Why does Holden enjoy reading a child’s notebook? What does this symbolize?
Ch. 22
1.
How does Phoebe react to Holden’s expulsion from Pency? Where does
Holden say that he will probably be sent when his father finds out?
2.
Why does Holden consider Mr. Spencer a phony?
3.
Why did James Castle commit suicide? What was the only topic of conversation that Holden remembers having with James Castle?
4.
Why is Holden only able to think of the nuns and James Castle when
Phoebe asks him what he likes?
5.
What is the significance of Holden’s desire to be the catcher in the rye?
Ch. 23
1.
What profound truth does Phoebe reveal to Holden about himself?
2.
How is Holden’s crying different in this chapter than before? How does
Phoebe try to comfort him? What is the significance of her actions?
3.
At the end of the chapter, why is it that Holden no longer cares if his parents find him at home?
4.
What is the symbolism of Phoebe saying her prayers in the bathroom?
Ch. 24
1.
What is shocking about the way Holden behaves toward Mr. Antolini’s behavior? How has Holden viewed Mr. Antolini in the novel thus far?
2.
What does Mr. Antolini say that Holden will accomplish once he decides what to do with his life?
3.
What does Mr. Antolini advise Holden about a good education?
4.
With regard to Wilhelm Stickel’s quote, is everyone who dies for a cause immature? Explain.
Ch. 25-26
1.
References are made to the hunting hat throughout the book. What does it symbolize?
2.
Holden, at the end, misses the characters in the story he has told. He then advises the reader to never tell anybody anything because you will start to miss them. What does this mean?
3.
What does Holden worry about as the tries to stop thinking about Mr.
Antolini?
4.
How does Holden recognize Phoebe from a distance at the museum?
Why does Phoebe have a suitcase with her?

5.
What do you think Holden’s goal has been from the beginning of the book? Explain.
6.
Chapter 26 serves and an epilogue. Epilogues usually help explain what happens or what happened to the character(s) in the novel. What happens to Holden?