The Catcher in the Rye

1. The Catcher in the Rye Chapter Questions and Discussion Points Part 4 Chapters 14 - 17

2. Why did Maurice hit Holden? • Maurice claimed Holden owed more money for Sunny’s “services.” • Holden called Maurice a “stinking moron.” • Holden in a mordacious tone inferred that Maurice would end up as a street beggar!

3. Why did Holden not go through with his suicide plan? • He was afraid no one would cover his body after falling. • He did not want “rubber-neckers” staring at his corpse. • He thought about Jane and how she would react. • He worried about who would take care of Phoebe.

4. Who is Sally Hayes? Describe her role in the story’s plot! • She is an old girlfriend. (Holden had a picture of her at Pencey). • She agreed to go on a date with him to a play, so he would not be alone. • He swings from wanting to marry her to hating her guts because she won’t run away with him. • She illustrates who incapable Holden is to build solid relationships with others and serves as a temporary “love interest.”

5. Why did Holden check out of the Hotel and where did he go? • He did not want another encounter with the ferocious Maurice! • He went to Grand Central Station to put his luggage in a locker and to find some lunch before going on a date with Sally.

6. Who did Holden meet at the Grand Central Sandwich Bar and what did they discuss? • Teaching nuns from a private school. • Romeo and Juliet – interesting! Story about star-crossed lovers who commit suicide! • Holden is amazed at how candid they are. • He makes a donation to their work!

7. What made Holden feel “not so depressed anymore” on his way to the record store? • A family was coming out of church and the child was singing “Comin’ thro’ the Rye.” • Holden picks up on the lyric “Gin a body catch a body comin’ thro’ the rye. . . .” • Significance to the title of the book and Holden’s state of mind?! • Holden hopes someone will “catch him!”

8. What record does Holden buy for Phoebe? Why? • “Little Shirley Beans” • About a child’s dealing with missing teeth • A jazz/blues version with a female singer with a husky voice. • Something Phoebe would appreciate • Expensive recording

9. Why does Holden dislike actors? • Phonies trying to play real people who still come out as phonies • Snobs, stuck on themselves as actors/actresses • Not good at their work – not realistic

10. Why did Holden like the museum? • The museum never changes like the people who visit do. • It remains the same forever preserving the past as it was. • People and life, however, change all the time! • Holden is not fond of change and remembers better times when he visited with the schools or with his family before Allie’s death.

11. What did Holden think of George? • A threat to Holden’s connection to Sally • A phony, self-centered snob • Trying to take Sally away from Holden • An annoyance!

12. How did Holden’s feelings for Sally Change from the beginning of the date to the end? • He was “in love” at first when he saw her. • He wanted to marry her and run away • He becomes frustrated with her when she refuses his offer. • He asks if she had ever been “fed up.” • He is derisive toward her and destroys any hope of a relationship.

13. SUMMARY? • Write a paragraph summary that explains the state of Holden’s emotional and mental situation at the end of these chapters. Be specific!