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The Catcher in the Rye. Chapter Questions and Discussion Points. Who is Holden Caulfield?. Sixteen year old teenager from NYC Failed at Pencey Prep – 4 th private school in three years! Tall and slender; grey streak in hair Has older brother, D.B., in Hollywood, CA.
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The Catcher in the Rye Chapter Questions and Discussion Points
Who is Holden Caulfield? • Sixteen year old teenager from NYC • Failed at Pencey Prep – 4th private school in three years! • Tall and slender; grey streak in hair • Has older brother, D.B., in Hollywood, CA. • Time frame: Winter to Spring 1948-49 – his “Madness Days” and after.
Where is Holden when he narrates the story? • In a Mental facility/TB Sanitarium in southern CA not far from Hollywood • Sitting in a therapist’s office telling his account of the madness days that started before Christmas • Spring time • Stream of consciousness
Why wasn’t Holden at the big football game with his schoolmates? • He was embarrassed because he lost the fencing team gear in the NYC subway and was ostracized by the team. • He knew he had “flunked” out of school and wanted to find a good “good-by before leaving Pencey Prep. • He was feeling depressed about his situation. • He wanted to be alone to figure out what he would do next.
What dirty trick did Old Spencer play on Holden? • He made Holden read his essay answer for the history final exam that Holden had failed. • He lectured and scolded Holden. • Holden did not get his good “good-bye.”
Who was Robert Ackley? • One of Holden’s dormitory suite mates • Another loner like Holden, with disgusting personal habits and poor dental hygiene • Annoying habits of clipping toe nails and picking up other’s belongings
Who was Stradlater? • Holden’s athletic room mate • Extremely self-centered and self- focused • A self-proclaimed “ladies man” • Rude to Holden yet “borrows” Holden’s clothes and belongings often without asking
Identify Jane Gallagher! • A summertime neighbor and friend (Maine) who played checkers with Holden • Shared personal family problems with Holden • The two were very close friends. • Holden seems to have a crush on her!
Why doesn’t Holden go downstairs to visit Jane? • He says he is “not in the mood.” • In reality, he is too embarrassed to see her because she may know that he has failed at school again. • He is upset that she is going on a date with Stradlater who has a “reputation” with the girls.
Thus ends the Chapters 1- 4 Questions! • What will Holden tell next as he relates his Madman days to the therapist and to you? • KEEP READING AND ANNOTATING!