The Catcher In The Rye

Who is Allie? What sort of person was he? How does Holden feel about him?

Allie was Holden's brother. Allie was intelligent, nice and never got mad. Holden loved him.

How can you tell that Phoebe is thrilled to see Holden? What bits of new does she give him?

By the way she lit up when she first saw him, she hugged him and started to talk non-stop. She tells him she's in a play.

How does Holden know Carl Luce? What sorts of talks has he had in the past?

Carl Luce was supposed to be the student adviser at Whooton. They mostly talked about sex, flits, and lesbians.

Where does Holden go after he leaves Mr. Antolini's?

Grand Central Station.

What does Holden order to drink at the Lavender room? Why does he end up drinking a Coke instead?

He ordered a Scotch and soda. The waiter knew he wasn't legal.

What does Holden think of the three women he meets in the Lavender room?

He thinks they are morons, ignorant and ugly (except for the blonde).

What does Holden think of the Christmas show at Radio city Music Hall?

He wasn't in the right mood and didn't think it was a big deal.

What is the little boy who is walking with his parents singing? Does that make Holden feel better or worse?

He's singing "Coming thru the rye". Better.

Who is Mr. Antolini? Why does Holden like him?

His favorite teacher. When the guy jumped out a window, he was the one that covered the body and took him to the infirmary. He was younger so Holden could relate and he could kid around with.

How does Holden describe himself physically?

Holden says he's 6'2 and a half and has gray hair on one side of his head.

Why does Holden laugh as he watched the men unloading the Christmas tree? How does he feel?

Holden thought it was funny that one guy said "hold the sonuvabitch up" because "it was such Christmas spirit" Holden felt like throwing up after he laughed.

Why does Holden walk down Broadway looking for a record store?

Holden wanted to find a record called "Little Shirley Bean" for Phoebe.

Where does Holden seem to be as he tells the story?

In rehab or some institution.

Where does Holden decide to go? Why is he hiding from his parents until Wednesday?

Mr. Antolinis. He doesn't want them to know about being kicked out and his mother is depressed and they don't want to set her off. They're all fragile around her.

Does Holden like the movie?

No

Name 3 authors whose work Holden has read.

Ring Ladner, Somerset Maugham, Isak Dinesen

Who is the narrator? About what does he promise to tell the reader?

The narrator is Holden Caulfield. He promises to tell the reader about this "madman" stuff that happened to him around last Christmas.

Why does Holden yell at Phoebe?

He doesn't want her to come with him.

Why doesn't Stradlater like the composition? What happens?

Stradlater thought it was dumb and wanted it to be about a room or house. Holden rips it up which starts up a fight.

What favor does Stradlater ask of the narrator?

A composition for his English class.

What two things does Holden say he likes? Why isn't Phoebe satisfied with his answer?

Allie and Phoebe. Allie's dead and Phoebe's his sister. Phoebe thinks that he needs to like something tangible.

In what year did Allie die? How much time has passed? How old is Holden now? How old would have Allie been?

Allie died on July 18th, 1946. Holden is 16 now, Allie would've been 14.

Who is D.B? Why does the narrator call him a prostitute?

D.B is Holden's brother. Holden calls him a prostitute because D.B sells his stories so people can turn them into movies. He thinks he is selling himself short.

List the people that Holden thinks of calling from Penn Station.

D.B, his parents and Jane Gallagher's mother.

How is Holden feeling when he gets back to the hotel?

Depressed

After Maurice leaves, how does Holden feel? Why doesn't he jump out a window- as he considers doing?

Depressed and suicidal. He didn't jump out the window because he diddn't want everyone seeing his guts, he thought of Jane, but mostly, because deep down Holden doesn't want to commit suicide.

Who sits next to Holden on the train?

Ernest Morrow's mother

Who is Ernie? Why does Holden consider him "phoney"? Why, then, do you think that he sent Ernie a message asking him over for a drink?

Ernie is a guy that plays the piano at a bar. Holden thinks he's a phoney because Ernie gave a humble bow when he finished a song, when he's really a big snob. I think Holden was lonely, and Ernie sitting and having a drink with him would give him some attention which he craves.

What is the "spooky thing" that happens to Holden as he is walking down Fifth Avenue?

Every time he came to the end of a block and stepped off the curb, he had a feeling that he'd never get to the other side of the street-that he'd just keep going down and nobody would ever see him again.

Why does Holden consider the Andover acquaintance Sally meets in the lobby a "phoney?" Would you?

George is expressive- stepped back when he answered Sally's question. I would too because George sounds like typical Ivy League brat.

Why does Holden go to Ackley's room?

He and Stradlater just fought and he is mad.

What does Holden ask the taxi driver about the ducks?

He asked if he knows where they go when the pond freezes. If the ducks stay in the pond, it's a symbol that Holden will stay frozen in adolescences. If the ducks fly south then too Holden will have the freedom to grow up.

Who does D.B bring along on his visit with Holden? What does D.B talk with Holden about on that visit?

He brigs a girl. D.B asks Holden questions about what happened before Christmas.

Why do you think that Holden can't stop thinking about Jane Gallagher?

He can't get over the fact that Stradlater and her could've had sex. Holden is so lonely and desperate, and is clearly in love with Jane.

What are Holden's religious beliefs?

He claims to be an atheist, but he seems to believe in something.

What does Holden do when he gets into the apartment and finds Phoebe asleep?

He creeps around the apartment, not knowing his parents aren't home. He watches Phoebe sleep and reads some of her books on her desk.

When Phoebe asks Holden why he flunked out of school again, what does he respond? Do you think that he is being honest? Do you think Holden would be happier at your school?

He didn't like the school, it was full of phonies, he differs the blame as always. Nothing will make Holden happy until he finds happiness himself.

How does Holden get along with the two little boys in the museum? Toward what other children in the story has he shown a similar attitude?

He get's along with them great. He shows similar attitude towards all children (people with innocence) in the novel.

What happens after Holden goes home? Why do you suppose Holden doesn't tell about that in more detail?

He goes to the hospital because he had a mental breakdown. He doesn't like talking about it.

Why is the narrator leaving Pencey?

He got kicked out for having bad grades.

Holden says of "all that has happened": "I'm sorry I told so many people about it". Who has he told? Why do you suppose he is sorry?

He has told everybody. He is embarrassed that he told everybody.

Who is Stradlater? Briefly describe him.

He is Holden's roommate. He's described as conceited, but generous in somethings. He has broad shoulders and as the same height as Holden. He's popular with the ladies.

Who is Ackley? Does the narrator seem to like him?

He is a guy that roomed next to Holden, who never leaves his room that is very tall and round shouldered. He's described as gross because he's dirty.

When is Holden going back to school? Do you think he will "apply himself"?

He is going back next fall. I think he will because he's getting the help he needs and might have a new perspective on life.

Who is Maurice and why does he knock on Holden's door?

He is the elevator man that offered Holden a prostitute for 5 dollars. Maurice later knocks on Holden's door with Sunny, the prostitute, claiming that Holden was supposed to pay 10 dollars and demanded the money. Maurice hit Holden in the stomach and Sunny toke another 5 from Holden's wallet.

What lies does Holden tell the mother about her son? Why?

He lies about his name, about how he got his nose bleed, and about the class elections.

What "sex rule" has Holden made for himself? Why does he break it?

He made a rule to quit horsing around with girls. He broke it the same night with a girl.

What is the "big mess" Holden gets himself into when he steps onto the elevator?

He met the elevator man that offered Holden a prostitute for 5 dollars. Holden agrees only wanting the girl so she can talk to him because he's that lonely and desperate.

What plan does Holden concoct for escaping everything?

He plans to leave town, never go to school again. He'd bum rides to go out West, then find himself a job pumping gas where he'd pretend to be a deaf-mute person so nobody would talk to him and he wouldn't have to talk anybody.

How does Holden explain the fact that he is not in school?

He said he has a tiny little tumour on his brain and needs an operation.

What sorts of "perverts" does Holden see at the hotel?

He saw a gray haired man that wore woman's clothes.

Why does Holden start thinking of Dick Slagle?

He saw the nuns worn out suitcases at Grand Central Station.

When Phoebe asks Holden what he'd like to be, what is his explanation for why he would not like to be a lawyer?

He says lawyers are phonies, they just play gold and drink martinis. He doesn't want to defend someone who isn't innocent. They're relationship isn't good.

What is your impression of Holden's father?

He sounds like your typical hotshot lawyer and probably puts his job before his family. His father doesn't get the family's loss and their ways of mourning.

What does Carl think Holden needs? Do you think that Carl is right?

He thinks Holden needs to get help from a psychiatrist. I agree.

Why does Holden go to Phoebe's school? Why does the graffiti make him so angry?

He wanted to say goodbye and give her back her Christmas money, so he wrote a note and gave it to an old lady who would give it to her. He didn't want the little, innocent kids to see something so harsh and rude everyday.

What would Holden like to be and why?

He wants to be a catcher in the rye. He wants to catch kids from jumping off the cliff which means that he wants to save their innocence by stopping them from jumping off the the "cliff" into adolescences.

Who was Harris Macklin and why didn't Holden like him?

He was Holden's roommate at Elkton Hills. He didn't like him because he was boring.

Who is Whilhem Stekel and why does Mr. Antolini quote him? Do you think Holden would be better off if he took Mr. Antolini's advice to heart?

He was a psychoanalyst. I think he would because it might help his depression if he changes his attitude.

Who was James Castle? Why do you think Holden thinks of him when Phoebe asks him to name one thing he likes?

He was a student, he was bullied frequently, when he stood up for himself by calling a jock conceited, he was beaten again, and as an escape, he jumped out a window. Holden admires that James stood up for himself since Holden doesn't do that for himself.

Why do you think Holden tells Sally that he loves her in the cab on the way to the show? What is her response?

He was in the heat of the moment and he just blurted it out without thinking. Sally said it back.

Why did Holden miss Allie's funeral?

He was in the hospital for punching a car window.

Why is Holden worrying when Stradlater returned?

He was worried Stradlater and Jane had sex.

What does Phoebe give Holden?

Her Christmas money.

How does Holden feel when he watched Phoebe on the carousel? Why?

Him letting her reach for the ring is like he's letting her grab adolescences. He's for one trying to not be a catcher in the rye.

Where does Holden go on Saturday night? What does he end up doing?

Him, Mal Brossard, and Ackley go into Agerstown to see a movie. They had hamburgers and played the pinball machine instead because Mal and Ackley had already seen the movie playing.

What topic does Holden choose for the composition he is writing for Stradlater?

His brother Allie's baseball mitt

Why does Holden "talk to Allie" after Sunny leaves? Why does Holden "tell" Allie "go home and get your bike and meet me in front of Bobby Fallon's house"?

Holden "talks to Allie" when he gets depressed. Holden and Bobby were going to bile over to a friend's house and Allie wanted to go too. Holden said no because he was a child and now feels bad for saying no.

What did Holden buy in New York after losing the foils?

Holden bought a hunting hat. It is a symbol of his uniqueness and it shows that Holden desires to be different from everyone around him.

What does Holden dislike about Carl Luce? What sorts of talks has he had in the past?

Holden doesn't like that Carl himself does flitty things. Holden makes the effort to see him because he's running out of people to talk to and he's desperate.

How does Holden feel about movies and shows? Why doesn't he like actors?

Holden doesn't like when people want to go see a movie. He doesn't like actors because they never act like people. He doesn't like shows that much, but he liked them more than movies.

Why is Holden "blind" when he calls Sally? What is her reaction when she answers the phone?

Holden is drunk when he calls Sally. Sally is annoyed, angry.

Why did Holden like the museum so much as a kid? How does Holden seem to feel about change?

Holden liked the Indians in the museum. Museum's don't change. Holden hates change because of the death of his brother.

What is Holden's opinion of the nuns in the train station?

Holden likes the nuns and enjoyed talking to them. He doesn't think they are phoney because they took the time to have a conversation with him. They are innocent and Holden admires innocence.

What is the "terrible thing" when Holden leaves the bar?

Holden mistakenly drops the record he wanted to give to Phoebe.

What does Holden pretend while sitting at the bar?

Holden pretends that he got shot because he wants to feel tough and he wants to feel wanted (if he died people would care).

What would Holden have done if he found out who stole his gloves? WHy does he consider himself "yellow"?

Holden said that he wouldn't have done much. Yellow means coward.

How does Holden feel about going to war? Why do you suppose this is on his mind?

Holden would want to be in front of a firing squad. I think Holden has war on his mind because he is depressed, and war has a lot of death associated with it and Holden thinks of death often.

Who is Horwitz? What do he and Holden talk about?

Holden's cab driver. They talked about the fish and the ducks in the lagoon in CP.

Why doesn't Holden eat the doughnuts he has ordered?

If you get very depressed it's hard to swallow.

Who is Stradlater's date?

Jane Gallagher

Why is Holden upset when he wakes up? Should he be? What do you think about "the kind of stuff's happened to me about twenty times since I was a kid"?

Mr. Antolini is touching his face. It was creepy and he was drunk. Holden was saying he's been molested before.

Who is Mr. Spencer and why does Holden visit him?

Mr. Spencer is a teacher at Pencey that taught Holden History. Holden visited him because Spencer sent him a note asking him too before vacation started.

Why does Mr. Spencer read the essay about Egyptians? How does Holden react to having the paper read aloud?

Mr. Spencer read Holden's essay to prove how Holden didn't know anything about his class. Holden was annoyed.

What is Pencey Prep?

Pencey Prep is a school located in Agerstown, Pennsylvania. It's an expensive, private school for boys.

Why does Holden decide to leave Pencey in the middle of the night- days earlier than he had planned? Where does he plan to go?

Pencey made Holden sad and lonesome. He planned to go to New York, find a hotel room until Wednesday.

Who is Lillian Simmons? What does Holden think of her?

She is a girl that used to go out with D.B. Holden thinks she's a phoney, he didn't like her very much.

Why does Phoebe put the pillow over her head?

She is frustrated at Holden that he got kicked out of school.

How is Jane different from most of the girls Holden knows?

She is innocent, doesn't judge him, she's truthful and she doesn't care if his hand is sweaty when they hold hands.

How does Holden happen to know Jane? How does he seem to feel about Stradlater dating her?

She lived close to him the summer before last. He is jealous.

Who is Sally Hayes? Does Holden lie her? What does he think of her?

She's a girl that Holden calls up on the phone because he wasn't in the mood to talk to Jane. He likes her, but she is always late and he thinks she's a pain in the ass, but good looking. Sally is intelligent because she knows a lot about theater and literature.

What does Holden like about his sister Phoebe?

She's smart and always knows exactly what you're talking about. Holden thinks Phoebe is funny, witty, and she dances well.

Why does Holden feel worse after reading the article in the magazine about hormones?

The article described how you should look if your hormones were in good shape and Holden looking like the guy with lousy hormones.

How do you learn that both Holden and Phoebe are good dancers?

They dance together. The live in an elite society, so they have to be able to dance at functions and things.

Where do Holden and Phoebe go after their argument?

They go to the carousel.

What sort of talk does Mr. Antolini have with Holden about his flunking out? How is that similar or different to the lecture from Mr. Spencer?

They have a serious talk, and he thinks that Holden shouldn't be flunking out. It's almost the exact same lecture, but Holden didn't mind hearing it from Antolini.

Why do Sally and Holden go skating? Did they have a good time?

They went so Sally can wear a skirt and show her stuff to Holden. They hated it.

What are Whooton and Elkton Hills and why does Holden leave them?

Whooton and Elkton are schools Holden previously attended before Pencey. He got kicked out of both of them, but he claims he quit Elkton because he was "surrounded by phonies" and he hated the headmaster.