Chapter 21
1. How does Holden feel now? Why?
Holden feels better now because he is going to see his younger sister Phoebe.
2. What does Holden read? Is there anything unique about it? Then why
does he read it? What pleasure does he receive from reading it?
Holden reads Phoebe’s notebook. It is a child’s typical notebook with digressions
and amusements. It reminds him of his own childhood and his yearning to be a
child again.
3. What does the taking of the record pieces symbolize?
When Phoebe takes the record pieces she is putting the pieces of Holden back
together again.
4. What project is D.B. working on and why does this annoy Holden?
D.B. is working on a film called Annapolis. This annoys Holden because he
thinks D.B. has sold out again and is writing crap for Hollywood.
Chapter 22
1. What function is Phoebe performing for Holden for the first time? How
does she express his problem? Is she correct?
Phoebe is listening to Holden – something that no other character does for him.
She also says, “you don’t like anything” which is her way of holding him
accountable for his misery. She points out the fact that it is his fault.
2. Holden’s memory of James Castle is dangerous. Why?
Holden’s memory of James Castle is dangerous because he thinks about the fact
that James sacrificed himself for a cause. In Holden’s state it is risky to think
about suicide.
3. What is Phoebe’s last word on Allie?
Holden’s last word on Allie is that he’s dead.
4. The novel’s title is now fully explained. Read pages 173-174 and
summarize the theme.
Holden tells Phoebe he would like to be the catcher in the rye, saving little children
from falling off the cliff. This passage elucidates the novel’s metaphoric title. The rye
field is a symbol of childhood—the rye is so high that the children cannot see over it,
just as children are unable to see beyond the borders of their childhood. Standing on
the precipice that separates the rye field of childhood from the cliff of adulthood,
Holden wants to protect childhood innocence from the fall into disillusionment that
necessarily accompanies adulthood. Trapped between states, with his innocence in
jeopardy, Holden wants to be a “catcher in the rye,” a savior of the innocence
missing in the world around him, a world that has let him fall over the cliff into
adulthood alone.
Chapter 23
1. Why the dance?
This dance was a brief moment of joy and the feeling of freedom for Holden.
2. Why does Salinger keep Holden and is mother from meeting?
Salinger keeps Holden and his mother from meeting because that would have
been an easy resolution. The character of Holden is not done his journey at this
point - he still needs help.
3. Why does Holden start crying?
Holden starts crying because of Phoebe’s act of kindness and generosity.
4. Why does Holden give Phoebe his read hunting hat?
Holden gives Phoebe his red hunting hat to protect her from the harsh cruel
world.
Chapter 24
1. Describe Mr. and Mrs. Antolini.
Mr. and Mrs. Antolini are cool, sophisticated party intellectuals who care about
each other deeply.
2. What does Holden keep complaining about? Who is right about Richard
Kensella’s digression: Mr. Vinsin and the class, Mr. Antolini or Holden.
Holden is complaining about the fact that he’s feeling dizzy, headachy, sick and
tired. Who is right? It’s a matter of your own opinion!
3. How is Mr. Antolini’s advice ruined? What is a homosexual pass? Does it
matter?
Mr. Antolini’s advice is ruined because Holden thought he was making a
homosexual pass at him. It was not actually a pass but it doesn’t matter because
Holden thinks it is.
Chapter 25
1. Why is he so depressed now?
He messed up with thoughts about Mr. Antolini and thinks that maybe it wasn’t a
pass after all.
2. Read page 197 at the bottom regarding Holden and the feeling of
disappearing.
He feels lost and completely alone to the point where he feels he is non existent.
3. Who does he call for help? How will he escape his world? But how does
Phoebe help save him again?
He calls out to Allie for help and Phoebe saves him because she shows up and
forces him back to reality. As he sees her cry he pushes his own problems aside
to try and make her happy.
4. Read page 201 and 204 and write the significance of the vulgarity and the
relevance it plays symbolically to one of the central themes in the play.
The images on the pages reek of corruption which he cannot erase.
5. How does Phoebe save Holden? Why does she throw the hat back at him?
Phoebe saves Holden because she redeems him and cares for him, shows him
he cannot be the catcher and loves him.
6. What do the rain and the carousel symbolize?
Rebirth, renewal, circle of life with its ups and downs, the brass ring is the
ultimate attainment
Chapter 26 – paragraph response in booklet