The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
Using your book & notes, answer each question neatly & completely on another paper. Do your own work. In
your notebook, you will record a summary of each chapter & keep a list of all the characters mentioned.
Chapters 1 & 2 due October 14
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
The narrator tells us a little bit about his family. What do we learn?
The narrator is telling a story from his recent past. How long ago did the events happen?
What are Pencey Prep, Elkton Hills and Whooton School? What do they have to do with our narrator?
Who is Mr. Spencer? How does he fit into these chapters?
What are the narrator’s first and last names? How and when did we discover them?
Chapter 3 due October 16
1. As Holden explains how his dormitory building was named, he tells us some extra information. What did
Edgar Marsalla do during Ossenburger’s speech in the chapel? What did Holden think of it?
2. Tell as much as you can about Holden’s new hat.
3. What book is Holden reading in this chapter?
4. Tell as much as you can about Ackley. (Except what you’ll answer in questions 6 & 8)
5. Who is Stradlater?
6. Why did Ackley borrow Holden’s scissors?
7. Where are the showers located in Holden’s dormitory building?
8. How do Ackley and Stradlater get along?
9. What is the weather outside as this chapter ends?
10. What is Stradlater going to quickly do before he leaves for his date?
Extra Credit: What does Stradlater want to borrow from Holden? Be specific and describe the fabric
pattern with words. (Look it up if you are unfamiliar…)
Chapter 4 due October 20
1. Holden describes his roommate more in this chapter. What kind of a guy is Ward Stradlater? What do
you think of him?
2. Holden knows Jane. How? Describe Jane Gallagher.
3. What favor does Stradlater ask of Holden? Why?
4. Holden is often bored, playful and restless. What two silly and physical things does he do in this chapter?
5. Why is Holden so nervous at the end of Chapter 4?
Chapters 5 & 6 due October 22
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
What does Holden decide to do with Mal Brossard on Saturday night? Why does Holden invite Ackley?
What does Holden write Stradlater’s descriptive composition about?
Tell all you can about Allie.
Given clues from Chapters 1 & 2 about Holden’s age combined with the date & age here in Chapter 5, give
approximate dates for the story. When did it take place, & when is Holden telling it? (months & years)
When Holden was younger, how and why did he break out all the garage windows?
Why does Holden tear up the composition after Stradlater returns?
Whose car did Stradlater borrow for his date?
What do Holden and Stradlater fight about?
Who wins the fight? Give some details.
Where does Holden go at the end of Chapter 6?
Extra Credit: What is the name of the dessert on Saturday nights in the Pencey dining room, and what is
it? (Look it up if you are unfamiliar…)
Chapters 7 & 8 due October 26
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Even as he sits in Ackley’s room, what does Holden continue to think and worry about?
What is Ackley’s religious affiliation?
Holden is packing his things. How does he feel about a recent gift from his mother?
As he leaves Pencey, what is Holden’s plan for the night?
How does Holden get twenty dollars from Frederick Woodruff?
How does Holden get to the train station?
How does Holden clean his face from his bloody nose?
A woman sits next to Holden on the train. Tell about her.
Give several examples of Holden’s lies in Chapter 8.
What is Ernest Morrow really like, according to Holden?
Extra Credit: What brand of suitcases does Holden own? Is this a real brand? Look it up & tell about it.
Chapters 9 & 10 due October 28
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
List everyone Holden thinks of calling as he stands in the phone booth at the train station.
How does the cab driver respond to Holden’s questions?
At the hotel, what is Holden’s guess as to the bellboy’s age?
What is the gray-haired, distinguished man on the other side of the hotel doing?
Name and describe who Holden calls from his hotel room.
Who is Phoebe?
What does Holden try to order in the Lavender Room?
What does Holden do in the Lavender Room?
Name the three ladies in the Lavender Room. Why do they keep looking around?
Who is Jim Steele?
Extra Credit: Who is playing in the Lavender Room? Was this a real band or did Salinger make them up?
Chapters 11 & 12 due October 30
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
As Holden sits in the lobby, what does he continue to worry about?
What did Holden’s mom think of Jane?
What sport did Holden help Jane to learn?
How did Holden know that Jane was upset one day? What do you think was the matter?
What is Ernie’s?
What does Holden ask his cab driver?
Why doesn’t Holden like his table?
What conversations does Holden hear around him as he sits at his table?
Who recognizes Holden?
What is Holden’s reason for leaving?
Chapter 13 due November 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
How does Holden get from Ernie’s to the hotel? Why?
When he says he’s a “yellow guy” in this chapter, what does Holden mean?
Why didn’t Holden go into the dumpy-looking bar?
What is the elevator guy’s proposition to Holden?
Why does Holden say, “I knew I didn’t have to get all dolled up…?
Why does Holden say, “I could get some practice in?” For what does he say he might need practice?
What does Holden trip over trying to get to the door?
Describe Sunny – her appearance, words, actions.
Why does Holden feel sad and depressed about the situation?
How did Holden get Sunny to leave?
Chapters 14 & 15 due November 5
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
After Sunny leaves, who does Holden start talking to, and what does he say?
What does Holden want to do before he goes to bed? What does this say about his condition?
Why did Holden get into arguments with a Quaker boy when he was at the Whooton School?
How does Holden respond to Maurice’s request of five dollars?
After Maurice roughs him up, what does Holden pretend?
How could this be the lowest point for Holden? What is he thinking at the end of Chapter 14?
What plans does Holden make with Sally Hayes?
Where does Holden leave his bags?
What does Holden insist on giving to the nuns in the restaurant?
What do Holden and the nuns talk about?
Extra Credit: Who is Holden’s favorite character from Romeo and Juliet? Why?
Chapter 16 due November 9
Matching
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
Noon
a. “The one where the Indians.”
2 o’clock
b. $5 record for Phoebe
Estelle Fletcher
c. sings “Little Shirley Beans”
Miss Aigletinger
d. when Holden walks to Broadway
“Little Shirley Beans”
e. movie theaters
Museum of Natural History
f. time to meet Sally
Paramount, Astor, Strand, Capitol
g. Holden’s grade school teacher
“I Know My Love”
h. Holden’s partner for field trips
Gertrude Levine
i. actor who plays Hamlet
Sir Laurence Olivier
j. Holden bought tickets for this show
What day is it in Chapter 16?
What was Phoebe’s favorite part of Hamlet?
Holden finally calls Jane. What happens?
Tell what Holden thinks and feels when he sees the little boy singing “If a body catch a body coming
through the rye.”
15. What does Holden think about the little girl he talks to in the park?
Chapter 17 due November 12
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
What does Holden think about while he waits for Sally to meet him?
Do you think Sally & Holden could make a good couple? Explain.
What is Holden’s spontaneous proposal to Sally? Do you think it could have worked?
What is Holden’s opinion of the show they saw?
From “I love you” to “You give me a royal pain in the ass,” how does the date go? Give an overview.
Chapters 18 & 19 due November 16
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Why did Holden say that the woman sitting next to him “was about as kindhearted as a goddam wolf?”
What is Holden’s opinion of the “inferiority complex” excuse?
Holden calls Jane again. What happens?
What plans does Holden make with Carl Luce?
Holden sees a movie to kill some time until ten o’clock. Basically, what was the movie about?
What does Holden want to do if there is ever another war?
Carl and Holden went to the Whooton School together. What does Holden remember about Carl?
Why is Carl seemingly annoyed with Holden?
Who is Carl dating?
What does Holden say at the end of Chapter 19 that seems pretty sad and desperate?
Chapters 20 & 21 due November 18
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Why don’t Tina and Janine finally come out? Who’s the new singer?
Why does Holden dial about twenty numbers before the right one? Who does he finally talk to?
Where does Holden sit down in the men’s room? Why?
What is Holden doing as he leaves the men’s room?
What is the “something terrible” that happened?
Why does Holden dislike visits to Allie’s grave?
How does Holden sneak up to his family’s floor?
Why does Phoebe like D.B.’s room better?
Why does Phoebe put the pillow over her head?
Is D.B. coming home for Christmas?
Extra credit: How much money does Holden have left at the very end of Chapter 20?
Chapter 22 due November 20
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Phoebe gets Holden to talk. How? What does she say to him & what does she ask him?
Tell about James Castle at the Elkton Hills School, and tell about Holden’s reaction.
What are the examples of phonies Holden shares with Phoebe?
Tell about Holden and Phoebe’s relationship based on how they interact in Chapter 22.
What does Holden like, and what ‘profession’ does he tell Phoebe he would like to be?
Chapters 23 & 24 due December 1
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
In the beginning of Chapter 23, what is Holden’s general description and opinion of Mr. Antolini?
What is Phoebe supposedly learning to do from Alice Holmborg?
What does Holden do when Phoebe hears their parents coming in the front door?
Why does Holden start to cry?
Tell more about the relationship between these siblings, Holden & Phoebe, based on Chapter 23.
Who does Holden compare Mr. Antolini to several times?
Why do you think Holden is feeling, “funny, dizzy, lousy,” and has a headache & a stomach-ache?
The readers have been taking in Holden’s narration for over 180 pages. Comment on his “Digressions!”
Do you like his story-telling style?
9. Mr. Antolini and Holden sit up and talk. What advice does Mr. Antolini give? Do you think he is sincere?
10. What do you think Mr. Antolini is doing at the end of Chapter 24?
Chapters 25 & 26 due December 3
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
Where does Holden sleep?
What is the “very spooky something” that starts happening to Holden on Fifth Avenue?
What is his plan now? Where will he go? What will he do?
Holden keeps seeing foul words written on the walls. How does he react?
Where is Holden as he tells us this whole story? What do you think happened after he and Phoebe left
the carrousel? Fill in the story a bit.
The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger Essay Options
Essay due December 9
Choose one of the following topics for your essay.
Use basic five-paragraph format.
Write your own original ideas, interpretations and analysis of the novel.
Provide specific examples from the novel as support in your essay.
Cite quotes with the page number in parentheses. “She was a funny girl, old Jane.” (77)
Submit hard copy typed or neatly written in ink. - or - Submit electronic copy to turnitin.com.
1. Popularity: The Catcher in the Rye has been on banned book lists. It has a reputation for being a favorite
of assassins and criminals. There is still some mystery surrounding the author of the novel, J.D. Salinger
(1919-2010). There is also a unique public appeal to the novel. Organize your essay around these ideas.
What is it about The Catcher in the Rye’s characters, plot, theme and message that has attracted what
could be called a “cult following?” What is it about the novel that has made it a major American work?
2. Journey: All heroes in literature experience a journey of some sort. They are called out on a specific
quest. They search for something. There is an ultimate goal for the hero. Along the way there are tests,
obstacles and other characters to hinder or help the hero. Organize your essay around Holden Caulfield’s
journey. What is his quest? What tests and obstacles does he encounter? What is his goal? How does
Holden’s journey end, and what can be learned from the journey?
3. Adulthood vs. Childhood: Holden seems to be caught in the middle of two worlds: the world of
adulthood and the world of childhood. He is almost an adult, but sometimes still wants to be a child. He
wants to sit in night clubs, go dancing and drinking, take cabs and get cocktails, but he also really admires
the sweetness and innocence of little kids. Organize your essay around this time in Holden’s life, the
symbolic meaning of each world for him, and how this causes a crisis for Holden.
4. Threes: Find some trios in the novel, and analyze this structure of “threes” in an organized essay. This
may include dividing the novel into three clear parts, a dissection of three important events in the story,
an explanation of three major themes, an interpretation of three striking symbols, or a look at three
characters. What is significant about the three? How does this help readers understand the novel?
5. Death: Holden feels like he is “sort of disappearing.” (5) He thinks of suicide, he imagines his death and
funeral, and he speaks to his deceased brother. “Allie, don’t let me disappear.” (198) Look at Holden’s
three-day trek and analyze his view on death. Using symbols, events, words and thoughts from the novel,
come to a conclusion about the death theme in The Catcher in the Rye.
6. Make-believe: Holden has many fantasies throughout the novel. He imagines and plans on running away
with Sally or to Colorado. He contemplates the idea of becoming a deaf-mute or he imagines heroic
revenge scenes. He creates spontaneous and creative lies. Considering his fantastic imagination,
exaggerations and generalizations, analyze the significance and meaning of Holden’s make-believe world.
7. Psychological Analysis: Organize an essay based on what a psychological report of Holden Caulfield might
include. Consider the time period, his age, family, past experiences, thoughts, reactions, relationships,
mental states, memory, attention to detail, ideas and perception of himself. Some readers might call him
troubled, lost, depressed or lonely. He might be considered compulsive, judgmental, rebellious or
anxious. Psychoanalyze Holden and help interpret his situation.
8. Different Perspective: Choose several characters, and analyze Holden Caulfield through their eyes. His
father, his mother, Mr. Antolini, Sally Hayes, Phoebe, D.B., Stradlater, Mr. Spencer, Ackley, Jane, Sunny,
Carl Luce and Lillian Simmons are some of the characters he encounters throughout the story. Choose
characters you understand well; your essay will focus on how Holden appears from their perspective.
What do these characters think about Holden? Do they care about him, worry about him, sympathize
with him, or does he just annoy everyone? What are their hopes for Holden? Do people like him?
Creative Extra Credit Opportunity: Book Cover
Due December 11
THE CATCHER IN THE RYE
The cover for The Catcher in the Rye is quite plain. Design & create a book cover with
more detail. The front cover & spine should give the title, author, your own cover design,
art work & images. The back cover should include a brief plot summary, critiques,
quotations, etc. The front inside flap should have a picture of the author & a brief
biography. The back inside flap should have a list of suggested other works by the
author. Your book cover does not have to actually fit on the book; it can be larger.