Catcher in the Rye

Write down a quote from Mr. Antolini that "sticks out" to you, either a quote that you agree with, find "wise," or think Holden should listen to, etc... a significant quote

"You have to go where?" (212). This quote I find somewhat significant because, throughout the novel, Holden has been going from place to place and debating where to go next which I feel like is resembled in Mr. Antolini's phrase.

Who is Ackley? Describe him.

Ackley is a senior who roomed next door to Holden. Ackley is a pimply 6'4 round-shouldered male who had sickly teeth and overall bad hygiene besides his fingernails.

What is ironic about Ackley's comment just before Holden walks out of his room?

Ackley's comment was ironic because Holden had just got his face/head bashed by Stradlater in their fight.

Compare and contrast Allie and Holden, based on Holden's description of his younger brother.

Allie seems to have a better overall personality of being nice as well as trying harder in school, whereas Holden sometimes has a negative personality and only tries in English. Both seem to enjoy writing/English though as Holden describes the poems written on Allie's baseball glove.

What words and actions demonstrate how Holden feels about Allie? List at least two examples.

An action that demonstrates how Holden feels about Allie is when Allie passes away, he punched all the windows in the garage which shows his deep love and upset about the passing of his younger brother. Holden also describes his brother as being nice in many ways which may demonstrate the pleasant feelings he has about Allie as he seemed to keep his cool and was able to stay positive, and maybe is why Holden tries to do the same although he mind isn't necessarily fond of the idea.

How does Antolini upset and scare Holden?

Antolini upsets and scares Holden when he sits by him and almost pets/pats Holden's head while he is sleeping.

What does Antolini's quote mean when he says that "the mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one"?

Antolini's quote means that one who is immature and hasn't grasped life would want to die for an unworthy cause whereas one who realizes reality and matures to it will continue to live.

Where is Holden as the story begins?

As the story begins, Holden is presented in the setting of leaving Pencey Prep to speak to his history teacher.

What does Holden reveal to the reader in the last lines of Chapter 24? How do you think this has affected him in regards to him trusting adults?

At the end of Chapter 24, Holden reveals that he has pervertedly interacted with him about 20 times when he was younger. This would heavily affect his trust in adults as he may assume all are perverted and he can not trust them as who knows what they might do to him. These events could also cause him to fear some adults.

Based on his description of the Natural History Museum he often visited as a child, how do you think Holden feels about change?

Based on Holden's description of the Natural History Museum, he seems to reject change as he prefers how things are and kept thinking about how the museum stays the same but you're different each time you go. He also describes how he didn't feel depressed or happy when thinking about Phoebe being different each time she'd go to the museum.

What advice does Carl give to Holden toward the end of their conversation?

Carl's advice he gives to Holden is to go see a psychoanalyst and have them analyze his mind patterns.

How does Carl respond to Holden's requests for advice and companionship?

Carl's response to Holden's requests for advice and companionship is recommending him to see a psychoanalyst and eventually just leaving the bar.

What is ironic about the behavior of the woman who sits next to Holden during the film? Is her behavior unusual or similar to that of other characters described by Holden?

Her behavior is ironic because she is being sensitive and crying over a phony movie but won't take her kid to use the bathroom. Her behavior is similar to other characters described by Holden.

Why does Holden almost wish his parents would catch him sneaking out of their apartment?

Holden almost wished his parents would catch him as it would help explain his situation and he could probably stay at home instead of finding somewhere else to go

Describe Holden's and his brother D.B.'s attitudes toward war and the military.

Holden and D.B. both show a negative attitude toward war and the military, but Holden would prefer being killed to being in the army and D.B. was actually in the army.

How are Holden and his mother similar in their reactions to Allie's death?

Holden and his mother share reactions to Allie's death of a decline in health and the growth of nervousness, and we know Holden has had some health issues with smoking and anxiety after Allie's death.

Why does Holden "sort of [hate] old Sally" by the end of the show?

Holden began to "sort of [hate] old Sally" by the end of the show because she saw a guy she knew and their conversation was endless and phony, so it bored Holden.

Why does Holden compare people asking him if he is Catholic with "those suitcases" (113)? What parallel is he drawing?

Holden compares people asking him if he is Catholic with "those suitcases" as both disrupt conversations and change the views of a person, in this instance, it would be religion and wealth. He is showing a parallel of the issues both topics cause.

What trait or quality about Ernie the piano player does Holden criticize?

Holden critiques Ernie the piano player's trait of not talking to someone unless they are famous or a hot shot.

Why does Holden decide to walk to the park, and what "terrible" event happens there?

Holden decides to walk to the park to see what the ducks are doing and a "terrible" event of Holden dropped the record "Little Shirley Beans" he got for Phoebe breaking into a ton of pieces.

List at least two details provided by Holden when he's describing his sister Phoebe.

Holden describes his sister Phoebe as smart and pretty. Phoebe gets all A's in school and has red-ish hair and is skinny.

Holden claims to admire Carl's intellectual ability, but does he engage him in an intellectual conversation? What kinds of questions does Holden ask Carl?

Holden does not engage with Carl in an intellectual conversation as instead, he asks him sexual questions about his own or Carl's life. Some questions he asks are about physical and spiritual experiences and why is it better in the East.

Why doesn't Holden throw the snowball?

Holden doesn't throw the snowball because he doesn't want to mess up the nice and white objects such as the car and fire hydrant.

Why was Holden being kicked out of Pencey Prep?

Holden failed four out of five subjects and only passed English.

Why did Holden fail his speech class?

Holden failed his speech class because he liked it when people digressed because he found it more interesting than when people stuck to the point.

How does Holden feel physically while he talks to Mr. Antolini?

Holden feels physically tired and not all too well as he has a headache and stomach ache.

How does Holden feel at the end of Chapter 25, and why?

Holden feels purely happy with joy as he watches Phoebe go around the carousel.

Why does Holden feel sad when he thinks about the gift his mother gave him?

Holden feels sad about the gift his mother gave him because it was a gift for him and he has to go home after getting kicked out and his mother will have to hear about it again.

How did Holden feel when he used to hold hands with Jane? Compare this feeling with Holden's current state of mind.

Holden felt that holding hands with Jane gave him a sense of happiness and never gave him something to worry about it, and this compares to the constant worry he has in his life and how he is trying to avoid it.

Why does Holden get upset when he thinks about the two rainy days at the cemetery?

Holden gets upset when he thinks about the two rainy days at the cemetery as everyone visiting ran to their cars for cover, but Allie couldn't as he body lay there lifeless.

What does Holden give to Phoebe?

Holden gives his hunting hat to Phoebe.

Why does Holden wake up Ackley?

Holden goes to Ackley's room to see if he woke up from all the noise and to get away from Stradlater.

Where does Holden go to pass the time before meeting Carl Luce for a drink? Why is it surprising that he goes there?

Holden goes to Radio City to watch a movie which is surprising because previously in the book he stated that he didn't like movies and the phony actors.

Why did it make Holden nervous that Stradlater was going out with Jane Gallagher?

Holden has known Jane Gallagher since young times and was an old friend, so the thought of his friend that is handsome and has many experiences with girls made him nervous. Holden may have had a crush on Jane as he seemed to really want to talk to her and would not stop bringing her up, and this nervousness may be jealousy.

What does the fact that Holden invites Ackley to the movies show about Holden's personality?

Holden invited Ackley to the movies knowing he doesn't do anything but stay in his room shows that Holden's personality still has compassion as he notices Ackley's doings and goes out to include him.

Why is Holden "not too crazy about describing rooms and houses"?

Holden is "not too crazy about describing rooms and houses" as he couldn't think of any, and this may be because of the transfer of schools.

Why is Holden so angry about the profane graffiti at Phoebe's (and Holden's own childhood) school? What does this graffiti represent for Holden?

Holden is angry because the graffiti would most likely be seen by Phoebe and other kids and this represents him being the catcher in the rye as he doesn't want the kids to lose their innocence and see a profane phrase that resembles maturity.

Why is Holden conflicted about his decision not to return to the Antolini's' apartment?

Holden is conflicted about his decision not to return to Antolini's apartment as he thinks Mr. Antolini is a nice guy and cares, but he is still wary because of the petting incident.

Why is Holden depressed by the long lines of moviegoers? Why is he so critical of actors?

Holden is depressed by the long lines of moviegoers because the thought of people wanting to see a movie and walking fast to get in line just to be stuck in a long line saddens him. Holden is critical of actors as he thinks they don't act like real people, and if they even are slightly good at acting, the actors seem to know they are good.

What frustrates Holden about girls and the guys they date?

Holden is frustrated because when a girl likes a guy whos a bastard they say he has an inferiority complex, but when a nice guy a girl doesn't like actually has an inferiority complex, they call them conceited.

Why does it make Holden so happy that the girl he helps with her skate thanks him nicely and politely?

Holden is happy when the girl thanks him nicely and politely after he helps with her skates as it shows their innocence and true thankfulness as a child.

What kind of health does Holden appear to be in?

Holden is not in great health because he is a heavy smoker and "practically" got t.b.

Why is Holden sad when he watches the girls home for vacation?

Holden is sad when he watches the girls home for vacation because he thought about what would happen to them later in life and who they would marry, guys that are boring.

Why is Holden sorry for having kidded "Old Marty"?

Holden is sorry for having kidded "Old Marty" because he lied that the actor Gary Cooper had just left and she was heartbroken.

How did Holden let the fencing team down?

Holden let the fencing team down by leaving the foils, and equipment, and stuff on the subway.

Why does Holden let Phoebe reach for the golden ring, even though it is dangerous? What does reaching for the ring represent?

Holden lets Phoebe reach for the golden ring as he thinks you can't say no to a kid and just let them reach for it which may mean the ring represents growing up and how you can't prevent a kid from growing up and if they "fall off", they "fall off" (if they grow up, they grow up).

What observation does Holden make about how kids and adults look when they are sleeping? How does this comment reflect his attitudes in general toward childhood and adulthood?

Holden makes an observation about how kids and adults look when they sleep is that adults look lousy whereas kids look fine. This reflects his negative mind on adulthood and how lousy it is whereas childhood is where innocence and normal life is.

Why do you think Holden is so depressed by the fact that the three girls in the bar are going to see the first (Christmas) show at Radio City Music Hall the following morning?

Holden may be depressed by the fact the three girls are going to see the first show in the morning because they had to leave early just to see a show they came from Seattle to see, and he can no longer have some sort of fun or entertainment.

Why do you think Holden ends up writing the composition for Stradlater?

Holden may have ended up writing the composition for Stradlater because he was able to get Ackley to leave the room and he gets to do something about writing.

Why do you think Holden lies so much to Ernest Morrow's mother?

Holden may have told Ernest Morrow's mother so many lies to entertain himself or to act nice as he does admit he has a liking to her.

What does Holden mean when he says that his brother D.B. is out in Hollywood "being a prostitute"?

Holden means "being a prostitute" as in switching to Hollywood screenwriting instead of sticking to his original writing career when referring to his brother D.B.

Why do you think Holden calls Sally, rather than Jane, when he is drunk?

Holden most likely calls Sally instead of Jane because he isn't in a good state as he is drunk and doesn't want Jane to listen to how he is at the moment. Sally is also someone that doesn't have as much an an emotional bond than Jane.

Why does Holden feel that now is the time to travel, not later?

Holden most likely feels like now is the time to travel due to the stress and issues in his life such as being kicked out of Pencey Prep, hesitating to go home, and feeling alone.

Why does Holden prefer horses to cars? Why does it upset him that other people are so attached to their cars?

Holden prefers horses to cars because they're real living things, and it upsets him that people are attached to their cars because he is against the idea of being so attached to an inanimate object.

What does Holden say about him hating people, such as Ackley and Stradlater?

Holden says that when he hates people, he usually stops hating them after a while and even sometimes misses them.

Why is Holden so "nervous" when he asks Stradlater about the date with Jane? Why do they fight?

Holden seems so "nervous" when asking Stradlater about the date with Jane as he is worried about what they did. Stradlater and Holden fight when Holden gets upset that Stradlater isn't elaborating on the date and Holden calls him a moron.

What does Holden see as the "trouble" with his attitude toward sex? How does this alleged problem manifest itself in his relationships with Jane, Sally, and other female characters?

Holden sees as the "trouble" with his attitude toward sex is that he loses desire for girls he doesn't like a lot, and how he can only get real sexual if he likes her a lot. This problem seems to manifest itself in female relationships as with girls such as Jane who he likes a lot, he did neck her when he was younger and constantly thinks about her. The opposite occurs to Sally where he doesn't like her a lot and typically gets bored and annoyed of her, and with the prostitute sent to his hotel room he didn't want to do the deed with her most likely because he didn't like or know her.

Why does Holden keep repeating, "Allie, don't let me disappear"?

Holden starts to make belief talking to Allie and would say the following phrase every time he would cross.

Why does telling his story make Holden miss everyone in it?

Holden telling his story makes him miss everyone in it because he made bonds and had interactions with them all and now they're somewhat gone as time is moving on. I think him telling his story made him realize his relationships with them had meaning during those times, but now he is dealing with another stage of loneliness.

Why does Holden watch Phoebe on the carousel, rather than riding the carousel himself?

Holden watches Phoebe rather than riding the carousel himself because he wants to watch her be happy and enjoy herself.

What does Holden's "nervous habit" of burning matches show about his personality and/or state of mind?

Holden's "nervous habit" show he gets bored easily and seems to do it when things aren't exactly how he wants them to be.

Describe Holden's emotional state when he is about to leave Pencey. Refer to specific details from the text that reflect this emotional state.

Holden's emotional state is sad but also somewhat glad to leave. He refers to feeling sad and lonesome, but in the end yells, "Sleep tight, ya morons!"

How does Holden's fantasy about having a bullet wound in his stomach reflect his emotional state?

Holden's fantasy reflects his emotional state of pain as it seems he can't be open to people and when he does things usually go wrong. He also seems to struggle with having a companion to talk to him and really listen to him.

Describe Holden's opinion about the film he is watching; why do you suppose he thinks this way?

Holden's opinion was that he wanted to puke while watching which is most likely due to the plot being predictable and his opposition to the phoniness of the actors he feels.

How does Holden's physical state reflect his emotional state?

Holden's physical state reflects his emotional state as he is dizzy and unwell which reflects on his depression and state of not grasping reality.

What does Holden give us as the reason for "leaving" Elkton Hills?

Holden's reason for "leaving" Elkton Hills would be that he felt as he was surrounded by phony people.

What does Holden mean by his remark that "Mothers are all slightly insane"? How does this comment apply specifically to Ernest Morrow and his mother?

Holden's remark of "Mothers are all slightly insane" means that they always acknowledge the best of their children and ignore the bad. This specifically applies to Ernest Morrow and his mother as Ernest is considered the biggest bastard at Pencey to Holden, and his mother is believing all the lies about "good stuff" about her son.

Why did Holden's suitcases become an issue between him and his old roommate Slagle? What statement about wealth and/or social class is Holden making by telling this story?

Holden's suitcases become an issue between him and Slagle as Slagle would express his disregard for Holden's expensive suitcases, yet would pretend there were his suitcases by placing them on the rack. Holden is making a statement about his wealth/class being higher up as Slagle calls Holden's items bourgeois and expensive.

How did you react to Holden's finally telling Sally how he really feels about her? Did it surprise you, either pleasantly or unpleasantly?

It actually surprised me that Holden told Sally the truth about how he feels about her because he usually keeps his honesty in his head and especially holds back in front of girls.

What is Mr. Antolini mean when he says that Holden is heading "for some kind of terrible, terrible fall"?

Mr. Antolini says it in a way meaning that with Holden's state and his current view of life, things are bound to change and he will have to start to grow up.

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.

Do you think Mr. Antolini was actually attempting to seduce Holden? Why or why not?

No, I don't think Mr. Antolini was actually trying to seduce Holden as he had covered a kid being bullied so I think the gesture of "petting" Holden was actually in a sense of comforting him based on the hard times and mental state of Holden.

List at least two details shared by Holden that show how well he knows Jane Gallagher.

One detail is when he recalls them playing golf and he remembers the exact number 8, the number of golf balls Jane lost. Another detail was that he remembers how she was "muckle-mouthed" and moved her lips in many different directions.

Holden and Sally don't communicate very effectively on their date. Describe at least one example of misunderstanding or a lack of mutual understanding between them.

One misunderstanding or lack of mutual understanding between them is that Holden wants to get away now, but Sally thinks the opposite and talks about how if he wants to get away he should after college.

Where and what is Pencey Prep?

Pencey Prep is a school in Agerstown, Pennsylvania for boys.Their goal is to "mold boys into splendid, clear-thinking young men."

Compare Phoebe with both Holden and Allie. How is she similar to and/or different from her brothers, according to Holden's description of her?

Phoebe is similar to Allie as she shares they both have red hair and are smart, and Phoebe is similar to Holden as they both are on the skinner side. Phoebe is different from Holden as Holden states himself he is the dumbest, and Phoebe is emotional.

What triggers Holden's crying in Phoebe's room? Is there anything that differentiates this cry from the other points in the novel when he weeps?

Phoebe's offering of her Christmas money to Holden triggered him to cry, and this differs from other points where he cries as it is more sincere.

How does the way Sally talks shed light on her personality?

Sally talks loudly but uses words such as marvelous which can show that her personality can be annoying.

Why does seeing the little boy walking with his family cheer Holden up?

Seeing the little boy walking with his family cheered Holden up despite seeming poor and the lack of attention from his parents, the little boy was happily singing and walking which cheered him up.

What are some clues that we see in this chapter that Sally is a phony?

Some clues that show Sally is phony is that a Harvard guy would call her night and day, however, that doesn't make sense as someone in Harvard would be occupied with school and couldn't call someone that much. She also knows about plays and literature which fooled Holden into thinking she was intelligent until he realized years later she wasn't.

Who is Stradlater? Why does Holden refer to him as a "secret slob"? What does he look like?

Stradlater is Holden's roommate and Holden refers to him as a "secret slob" as although he prioritizes his looks, Stradlater's razor is uncleaned with rust and hairs. Despite this, Stradlater is handsome and Holden refers to him as a yearbook kind of handsome.

How does Stradlater react to the composition Holden has written for him?

Stradlater reacts upset about the composition Holden wrote for him as it didn't follow his instruction about describing rooms and houses.

Stradlater is upset that Holden breaks the school rules by smoking in their room, but he has also broken a rule by borrowing Ed Banky's car. Why doesn't Stradlater seem to feel regret for having broken a rule himself?

Stradlater seems to not feel regret for having broken a rule himself because he is selfish and thinks it doesn't matter because he is a part of the athletic group and was given permission to use the car.

According to Holden, what about the show would Jesus hate, and why?

The costumes are what Jesus would hate because they were fancy and all.

Why does the dining hall at Pencey serve steak on Saturday nights? Why is this typical of Pencey in general, at least as how Holden perceives it?

The dining hall at Pencey serves steak on Saturday nights so when parents come to visit on Sunday, they can ask what their student ate for dinner and they would say steak. This is typical of Pencey in general as it is supposed to present the school as high class and well organized such as a phony in Holden's views.

What is the name of the main character in the books Phoebe writes?

The name of the main character in the book Phoebe writes is Hazle Weatherfield.

According to Holden, how are the nuns' charitable works different than those of his aunt or Sally's mother? What attitudes is Holden expressing in comparing them?

The nun's charitable works are different than those of his aunt or Sally's mother as the nuns use straw baskets when they are not teaching schools and wouldn't go to a swanky place for lunch whereas his aunt or Sally's mother would do their job in fancier clothing and then go somewhere swanky. Holden's attitude seems disappointed in the way his aunt and Sally's mother handle charity work and what they do afterward.

What point does Holden try to make about people when he talks about Stradlater and the "commas" and Ackley's description of the basketball player?

The point Holden is trying to make is about how although some concepts are beneficial, they do not truly make up a person and their abilities. For an essay, commas are a necessary part but it's not what makes an essay great, and the same applies with a basketball player. A player's build does not determine their talent and skill.

When he is walking up Fifth Avenue, what pessimistic remark does Holden make? How is this comment similar to what Mr. Antonini had forebodingly predicted about Holden's future?

The remark Holden makes is that he feels like every time he steps off the curb, he wouldn't make it to the other side. This is similar to Mr. Antolini's prediction of his future as they both relate to the bad ending of possible death or never coming back.

What thought motivates Holden to go visit Phoebe?

The thought of Holden dying and Phoebe being sad because of their bond motivated Holden to plan to go back home and visit Phoebe.

What is similar about the performances by the Lunts and Ernie's piano playing?

Their performances are similar as once they begin to become comfortable and show off the performances aren't as good.

What does Ackley do that annoys Holden?

Things that Ackley does that annoy Holden is the invasion of privacy as he doesn't bother and picks up or touch anything he wants. Ackley also clips his nails on the floor which Holden doesn't want to be stepping on.

How do we learn, in Chapter 21 (and/or previous ones) that Phoebe, like her brothers, has a lively imagination?

We learn that Phoebe and her brothers have a lively imagination as in her notebook she wrote a different middle name for herself which is a name from a movie/show. She also assumes the worst such a Holden being killed when she finds out he got kicked out again.

What does Holden mean, "I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot"? Give examples of what he reads.

When Holden refers to the phrase, " "I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot", he seems to try to deny the fact he most likely can read. Holden has read Out of Africa, The Return of the Native, and Of Human Bondage.

What did Spencer do that particularly annoyed Holden?

When Spencer reads out Holden's essay on Egyptians and when he calls Holden "boy".