Chapters 19-21 - The Catcher in the Rye

How does Holden "sneak up" to his apartment?

Holden "sneaks up" to his apartment by claiming he was the Dicksteins nephew, who's family is on the same floor as his apartment. The elevator man told him to go to the lobby but Holden lied saying he had a bad leg. The man let Holden on the floor.

Describe the train of thoughts Holden has, once out in the cold in Central Park.

Holden becomes scared that he is going to die from pneumonia due to the sheer coldness he was in. He thinks about all the phonies who would attend his funeral and how sorry he feels for his family if he were to die. He recognizes that the positive aspect is that Phoebe wouldn't be allowed to go to the funeral. He then complains about how Allie is given flowers at his grave and how he was left in the rain. Holden then considers how Phoebe would feel if he died.

Why does Holden decided to go home early?

Holden decides to go home early because he was thinking hypothetically if he died of pneumonia that Phoebe would be devastated. He goes home just "in case (he) died and all."

How does Holden describe Luce?

Holden describes Luce as the guy who gave sex talks. He states that he is also a pretty intelligent guy. He didn't like to discuss anything with Holden.

Why does he go to Central Park?

Holden goes to Central Park to search for the ducks at the pond. He wants to see if they are still there since it is winter.

Why does Holden like the doodles and comments in Phoebe's journal so much?

Holden likes the doodles and comments in Phoebe's journal so much because it shows how youthful Phoebe is, which Holden appreciates.

What observation does Holden make while Phoebe is sleeping?

Holden observes that Phoebe has her mouth open while she is asleep. He notes that kids look all right when they have their mouths open while they sleep, whereas adults look lousy.

What does it mean when Holden says: What are you a child for God's sake? And what does it reveal about Holdens views Phoebe?

Holden thinks that Phoebe for her age is mature and for her to act that way by putting ink on someone's windbreaker can be considered childish. Holden views Phoebe as an intelligent girl. He says that she's a straight-A student and he thinks of her very highly.

How is Phoebe's reaction to the record pieces significant? What does it reveal about her?

Phoebe's reaction to the record pieces is significant because the pieces represent how Holden's innocence is broken, but she keeps Holden's memories of youth. The pieces represent Holden's life falling apart since he got kicked out of Pency. It reveals Phoebe's stability with Holden.

What do Luce and Holden talk about?

First, Holden started to talk to Luce about things that they used to talk about such as girls and sex. Luce realizes this though as he states, "Is this going to be a typical Caulfield conversation?".

After Luce leaves, how many times does Holden fails to make a date?

He fails to make a date three times. The first with the Valencia girl, second was when he called Sally Hayes, and third was the hat-check girl.

What does Holden do after he accidentally breaks the record he bought for Phoebe?

He takes all the pieces and puts them into an envelope and puts them in his coat pocket.

What does Phoebe do with the broken record pieces?

Phoebe puts the record pieces in her pocket and is happy to have them despite the fact that they are broken.

Analyze how Phoebe fits into Holden's view of children?

Phoebe fits into Holden's view because she makes Holden's picture of childhood; him wanting to be the Catcher in the Rye.

How does Phoebe handle the news that Holden is expelled?

Phoebe in a way acts upset because she doesn't like seeing her brother Holden in trouble and she only wants the best for him. She knows that he will get in trouble with his dad and that's what scares her the most.