18 May - 24 May

The Catcher in the Rye, Chapters 4-7

Find a passage through chapter 7 of approximately ½ page to 1 page in length that you found particularly telling in some way in addressing who Holden is. Look for images or specific words or phrases that give you some insight into Holden. Think about where Holden is (physically) in the story he tells, but also where Holden is (mentally) as a narrator. Consider things like tone, foreshadowing, irony, or some other literary device that might help you in looking into and understanding the novel more deeply.

Briefly paraphrase the passage first before giving your response. Use specific examples from the text.

Chapters 8-11 due tomorrow.

1. Who is Holden Caulfield?

2. What was Holden thinking about when he said the following: “I told him I was a real moron, and all that stuff. I told him how I would’ve done exactly the same thing if I’d been in his place, and how most people didn’t appreciate how tough it is being a teacher.”

3. Why do Holden, Brossard, and Ackley not go to the movies after all?

4. How did Allie die?

5. How did Holden react to Allie’s death?

6. Why is Holden so interested in what happened on Stradlater’s date?

7. Why does Stradlater not like the composition Holden wrote for him?

8. What doe Holden say when asked about whether he likes Pencey Prep?

9. What excuse does Holden give to Mrs. Morrow for not being able to visit Ernest in the summer?

10. What does Holden do when he reaches Penn Station?

11. How does Holden know that the three girls at the next table are not from New York City?

12. How does Holden describe the experience of dancing with Marty?

13. What was it that made Jane Gallagher cry when she and Holden were playing checkers?