The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Reading and Responding -In The Catcher in the Rye the reader spends two days with the
main character, Holden Caufield. Holden is 16, and in the tenth grade.
Directions: Annotate the book , use Post-it Notes , or write down the page number and
be prepared to write about and discuss the issues below. There is no writing due when
you come to class, but have quotes selected and ideas about all the issues below. You will
be asked to write in class.
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Throughout the whole book look for:
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Holden's commentary on America and American culture
The integrity of Holden
<>On Friday, November 5, Chapters 1 through 7 - Besides the above look for:
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The red hunting hat is mentioned on pages 17/18/19, 27/29, 45, and 52. What are the
circumstances in which it is mentioned? The hunting hat is mentioned and used
throughout the book, at this point what do you think the hat is symbolizing?
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Holden talks about Jane Gallagher, Allie, and the ducks in Central Park. Why are these
important to Holden? Have quotes selected to support your point.
<> On Tuesday, November 9, Chapters 8 through 14 - Besides the above look for:
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Holden meets several adults: cabdrivers, 3 women from Seattle, Maurice, and "Sunny."
What was similar in his experiences with all these adults?
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The red hunting hat is mentioned on pages 53, 61, 88. What are the circumstances in
which it is mentioned? The hunting hat is mentioned and used throughout the book, at
this point what do you think the hat is symbolizing?
On Friday, November 12, Chapters 15 through 20 - Besides the above look for:
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At this point generalize Holden's relationships with adults
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The red hunting hat is mentioned on page 122. What are the circumstances in which it is
mentioned? The hunting hat is mentioned and used throughout the book, at this point
what do you think the hat is symbolizing?

The song "Catcher in the Rye" is mentioned on 115. What is the circumstance? Holden
helps a girl with her skates, page 119 and he talks about his experiences as a child at the
museum, page 119. Previously, he talked about Mother Nature and frozen fish with the
cab driver on page 83, and how Jesus would deal with Judas on page 100. What do you
think the song has to do with these experiences?
<>On Tuesday, November 16, Chapters 21 through 26 - Besides the above look for:

At this point generalize Holden's relationships with adults

The red hunting hat is mentioned on several pages: 180, 205, 207, and 212-213. What are
the circumstances in which it is mentioned? The hunting hat is mentioned and used
throughout the book, at this point what do you think the hat is symbolizing?

The song "Catcher in the Rye" is mentioned again on 173. What is the circumstance?
What do you think the song has to do with the novel? Be ready to explain your answer.