The Catcher in the Rye

· Choose two (2) questions from EACH section and write a well-developed answer.

· Choose two (2) questions from ANY section to write two additional answers.

· Minimum one paragraph. You may write more and you may attach paper, if necessary. You may type your answers.

· These are meant to be shorter answers, DO NOT write essays.

· Paragraphs must be between 5-7 sentences.

· You will have a total of 10 paragraphs (minimum).

· Your answers should show that you have read the book and have an understanding of its characters and plot.

· Be sure to use specific details from the story.

· This assignment will be collected the first week of school and will be counted along with an in class essay as a test grade!

· Write a rough copy first- your answers should be NEAT and ERROR-FREE!

This assignment is mandatory!

Chapters 1-8

1. Describe the boarding school life Holden experiences. Include descriptions of the setting, names of characters and their relationships with Holden, as well as activities in which Holden participates.

2. For what reason does Holden visit Mr. Spencer? What advice does the teacher give him? Why does Holden need such advice and why does Mr. Spencer feel the need to give it?

3. The hunting cap is a symbol in the story. Where did it come from? What might it

represent?

4. Does Holden’s use of profanities affect your enjoyment of the book? Why or why

not?

5. Select a minor character you have met or learned about in this section and explain what he or she adds to the storyline. What does the relationship between this character and Holden teach you about Holden’s personality?

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Chapters 9-14

1. Throughout this section, Holden often talks about sex. Is he a typical 16-year-old teen-ager?

2. Holden has a desperate need to talk to someone. Why is he unable to communicate with anyone? What do you think his problem is?

3. What is your understanding of the Caulfield family? Include details that Holden has shared, as well as things you may have assumed because of Holden’s behavior. Support your assumptions with specific details.

4. Did you find any situation in this section particularly humorous? If so, identify and explain.

5. Who are Sunny and Maurice? Explain the story and Holden’s reaction to them.

6. In these chapters, Holden often refers to himself as “lousy, depressed and miserable.” Select a couple examples of statements and explain how they illustrate Holden’s anger, frustration or loneliness.

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Chapters 15-21

1. Who introduces the title of the novel? How and when does it occur?

2. Select one of these scenes and show how they explain or demonstrate Holden’s attitude or outlook on life.

Cafeteria with the nuns, American Museum of Natural History, Radio City Music Hall, girl-watching at the Biltmore Hotel

3. Describe Holden’s date with Sally from Sally’s point of view.

4. Holden is getting more and more desperate. What evidence of this is revealed in this section of the novel?

5. What do the scenes between Phoebe and Holden reveal about Phoebe’s relationship with her brother? Give specific details. Is it a typical or atypical relationship?

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Chapters 22-26

1. Why do you think the incident at Pencey with James Castle haunted Holden?
2. Holden goes to stay at Mr. Antolini’s apartment, but the visit is a disaster. Why? Explain if you think Holden overreacts or not.
3. Holden needs to erase the obscenities he discovers at the school and museum. Does this seem illogical considering Holden’s frequent use of profanities?
4. What is Holden’s escape plan? How does Phoebe foil it?
5. The carousel, the brass ring, and the music come together to symbolize something. What do you think they mean?

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Additional Paragraphs

Choose two questions from any section that you would like to write about.
Do not duplicate any answer that you have answered.
This section is NOT optional.

Paragraph #9 for Question __________ from Chapters _________________

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Paragraph #10 for Question __________ from Chapters ___________________

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