The Catcher and the Rye Ch. 1-4

How do Ackley and Stradlater feel about one another?

Ackley hates Stradlater, Ackley hates everyone but he hates him even more.

What does Ackley say about Holden's hat?

Ackley says that Holden got scammed for the hatthathe bought because of how expensive it is and what it is used for.

What does Holden reveal about his communication with his parents about his issues?

He reveals that he and his parents don't get along very well. He doesn't go to them for help and doesn't have a close bond with them.

What does Holden reveal about lying? What's ironic about this?

He reveals that he is a good liar but doesn't like it when other people lie.

How does Holden describe the scene in Mr. Spencer's house?

Holden describes the scene in Mr. Spencer's house as simple and almost the feeling of someone sick living there.

How does Holden feel about Ackley? How would you describe their conversation?

Holden doesn't like Ackley because of how annoying he is. They had a normal conversation but as Holden keeps talking to Ackley he becomes more and more annoyed with him.

Why has Holden failed history? What was his essay like and what "note" did he write Mr. Spencer?

Holden failed history because he knew nothing and history didn't interest him. His essay was about the Ancient Egyptians but it made no sense. He wrote a note that said how he didn't like History and that he didn't care if Mr. Spencer flunked him.

What does Holden do to Stradlater as he's shaving?

Holden got Stradlater in a half nelson while Stradlater was shaving.

What happened at Holden's previous schools?

Holden had been kicked out of all his previous schools.

How is Holden doing academically?

Holden is not doing good in school because he is failing all his classes and has been kicked out of many schools.

What information does Holden reveal about Jane Gallagher? Based on the way he talks about her, how do you think Holden feels about Jane?

Holden reveals that Jane Gallagher used to live right next to him the summer before last, he met her because her dog would always come over. Based on the way he talks about her, he really likes her and is so happy that she knows him.

What does Holden reveal about his level of maturity?

Holden reveals that he is very immature but will sometimes act mature but no one will notice.

What does Holden (the narrator) reveal about his brother, D.B.?

Holden reveals that his brother, D.B. lives in Hollywood and writes books.

How does Holden feel about reading? What books does he mention?

Holden says he is illiterate but he reads a lot. He has read The Return of the Native, Of Human Bondage, and Out of Africa.

When Holden stops paying attention to Mr. Spencer's speech, what is he thinking about?

Holden starts to think about what happened to ducks when the water would get all cold and icy.

Why is it funny that Stradlater wants Holden to write his paper? What is the paper supposed to be about?

Holden was failing in his classes and doing bad in school yet Stradlater asked Holden out of all people to write his paper. The paper is supposed to be about something descriptive, it can be a house or a room.

Describe Holden's hat. Where did he get it from?

Holden's hat is a red hunting hat with a very long peak that he got from New York.

Who is Mr. Spencer and why is Holden going to visit him?

Mr. Spencer is his History teacher. He goes to visit him because he is leaving the school and wants to have an "official" goodbye by saying bye to him.

What advice does Mr. Spencer give Holden and how does Holden react?

Mr. Spencer tells Holden that life is like a game and you have to play by the rules of the game. Holden doesn't think that way because he thinks you can play two ways and you can lose one way and its not so fun.

Who is Ossenburger and what happens during his speech?

Ossenburger is Holden's senior roommate. During his speech Edgar Marsalla lets a big fart out causing some people to laugh but not everyone.

What is Pencey Prep like and how does Holden feel about it?

Pencey Prep is an all boy school that Holden doesn't like because he thinks the people there are fake and that everything there is a joke.

What event was going on at Pencey while Holden was on Thomsen Hill and why was Holden missing the event?

Pency was having a football game going on while Holden was at home after getting back from New York.

Describe Robert Ackley's character

Robert Ackley doesn't really have a good personality, he wasn't a clean person, and he seemed to irritate people.

Who is Selma Thurman and what does Holden say about her?

Selma Thurman is the daughter if the headmaster. He thinks that she is really ugly but likes how she isn't cocky about her great dad.

What has Stradlater been doing and why has he come back to the dorm? How does Holden describe Stradlater?

Stradlater was on a date with someone. He came back to the dorm because he wanted Holden's hound's-tooth jacket. Holden says that Stradlater is a conceited man but he's very generous.

What do we learn about Ackley's hygiene?

We learn that Ackley has bad hygiene and doesn't take care of himself.