The Catcher in the Rye

1. The Catcher in the Rye Chapters 10-12

2. Holden’s Quest for Companionship • Wants to call Phoebe • “You never saw a little kid so pretty and smart in your whole life” (67). • Red hair like Allie • Person he likes and can communicate • “And when Allie and I were having some conversation about things in general, old Phoebe’d be listening. Sometimes you’d forget she was around, because she was such a little kid, but she’s let you know” (68). • Childlike and innocent

3. Lack of Self-Awareness • Lavender Room • Realizes he’s out of place • “Also, there were very few people around my age in the place. In fact, nobody was around my age” (69). • Refuses to acknowledge his behaviors or actions • “The other two grools nearly had hysterics when we did. I certainly must’ve been very hard up to even bother with any of them” (70). • He feels like they want the interaction, they are boring him- phonies • Ridicules and criticizes those around

4. Lack of Self-Awareness • Lavender Room • Mocked and pitied • “She kept asking me to call up my father and ask him what he was doing tonight” (75). • Calls them phonies, he is the one out of place • Sees situation from a skewed point of view • thinks he’s mature and suave • “I tried to get them to stick around for a while, but they wouldn’t” (75). • needs to see true self: confused and depressed, desperate for interaction

5. Lack of Self- Awareness • Lonely • “…it was one of those places that are very terrible to be in unless you have somebody good to dance with, or unless the waiter lets you buy real drinks instead of just Cokes” (75-76). • Reality but makes excuses

6. Holden’s Relationship with Jane • Happy when he’s with her • Wants to protect her • “I really got to know her quote intimately. I don’t mean it was anything physical or anything- it wasn’t…You don’t always have to get too sexy to get to know a girl” (76) • She represents goodness, intimacy without sexuality • Childhood innocence

7. Holden’s Relationship with Jane • Close bond • “She was the only one, outside of my family, that I ever showed Allie’s mitt to” (77). • Reveals an intense and intimate moment with her • “Then, all of a sudden, this tear plopped down on the checkerboard…I don’t know why, but it bothered the hell out of me” (78-79). • “The she really started to cry, and the next thing I knew, I was kissing her all over- anywhere…” (79). • Intimacy without physical

8. Holden’s Relationship with Jane • Mirrors Holden’s situation and how he handles it • “…I asked Jane what the hell was going on. She wouldn’t even answer me, then. She made out like she was concentrating on her next move…”(78) • Holden won’t admit or turn to anyone for help • Her innocence was taken advantage of? • Holden couldn’t protect her • May explain his preoccupation with Jane and wanting to talk to her

9. Holden’s Loneliness • Holden feels increasing despair and isolation when not in contact with others • “What made it worse, it was so quiet and lonesome out, even though it was Saturday night… It makes you feel so lonesome and depressed. I kept wishing I could go home and shoot the bull for a while with old Phoebe” (81). • Who he really wants to see

10. Holden’s Loneliness • “’Do you happen to know the ducks that swim around in it? In the springtime and all? Do you happen to know where they go in the wintertime, by any chance?’” (81). • Ducks may provide an answer • Seeks companionship • “’Would you care to stop off and have a drink with me somewhere?’” (83) • Alone with no where to go

11. Holden’s Quest for Companionship • Ernie’s • “Anyway, it made me feel depressed and lousy again, and I damn near got my coat back and went back to the hotel, but it was too early and I didn’t feel much like being alone” (84). • Reality of his situation • Ridicules everyone • “I certainly began to feel like a prize horse’s ass, though, sitting there all by myself” (86). • Sees the reality - refuses to acknowledge or take responsibility for it

12. Holden’s Quest for Companionship • “It made me mad, though, when I was getting my coat. People are always ruining things for you” (87). • Holden’s past encounters • Feels that others have ruined things for him • not been there for him when he needed them