Catcher In The Rye Study Questions
Directions: Type your responses to the following questions in complete sentences. All answers should have specific
evidence from the text; questions with an asterisk*/that are bolded must also include a quotation from the novel. Be sure
to understand what the question is asking before you try to answer. Completed study questions will be turned in to
www.turnitin.com at a date to be determined. Spot checks for completion will take place on class discussion days;
therefore, you should keep up with the study questions as you read and print each section for class discussion days. This is
an independent assignment that is to be completed individually and with no resource other than the novel. Be sure the
submitted hard copy is in MLA format.
EXAMPLE:
Why does Holden enjoy the snowball fight?
Holden enjoys the snowball fight because the snow is a reflection of the purity and innocence of nature, and its
pristine quality appeals to Holden. He later comments on how nice the experience is when he states, "It was nice,
though, when we got out of the dining room...It looked pretty as [heck], and we all started throwing snowballs...it was
very childish, but everyone was really enjoying themselves" (Salinger 35). This quote shows how the snowball fight is
no real conflict and the boys are acting like innocent children. By having the boys act innocently, in an environment
that symbolizes purity, Holden is able be at ease and enjoy himself.
Breakdown:
sentence 1: answer
sentence 2: embedded quote / specific example
sentence 3-4: how the quote/example proves the answer of sentence 1.
Chapters 1-4
1. What is the meaning of the reference to David Copperfield? (Look this up. It is a literary allusion
to a Dickens’ novel.)
2. Why has Holden “forgotten” to mention his dismissal from Pencey?
3. What is significant in Holden’s remark about Mrs. Spencer opening the door herself?
4. *What is the importance of Holden’s confrontation with Mr. Spencer?
5. What is the significance of Spencer’s question about Holden’s telling his parents?
6. *Why is the ambiguity of Holden’s age stressed?
7. Why does Holden say he is just going through a “phase”?
8. Why does Holden characterize himself as a liar?
9. What is the significance of the deflation of Ossenburger?
10. Why does Holden yearn to talk to certain authors?
11. What is signified when Holden misplaces the foils?
12. *What are Holden’s doubts about the message to Jane?
Chapters 5-8
1. What is the significance of Holden breaking his hand?
2. What are Holden’s fears about Jane and Stradlater?
3. What is Holden’s first action after the fight?
4. *What emotions do the new skates create?
5. Why does he lie about Ernest Morrow?
6. *What is the significance of the brain surgery story?
Chapters 9-12
1. What is Holden’s first act upon arriving in New York and why does he do this?
2. What is Holden’s attitude toward sex?
3. Why does Salinger use the name Faith Cavendish?
4. Why does Holden’s mind now revert to Jane?
5. What compromise does Holden make?
Chapters 13-17
1. Why does Holden accept the assignation with Sunny?
2. Why is he unable to consummate any physical act with Sunny?
3. *What is the real outcome of his fight with Maurice?
4. What is significant in the reference to Mercutio? (A character from Romeo and Juliet. Look him
up.)
5. What is the import of the monologue about Catholicism?
6. *What contradiction exists in his attitude toward Sally?
Chapters 18-22
1. *Why is the Radio City program juxtaposed with Carl Luce?
2. What contacts does Holden attempt at the beginning of the chapter?
3. *What is the first impression given of Phoebe?
4. How does Phoebe punish Holden?
5. What is Holden’s answer to Phoebe?
Chapters 23-26
1. Why does Holden give Phoebe his hunting cap?
2. *What is Holden’s mental/ psychological condition at this point?
3. Why does Holden refuse to take Phoebe along?
4. *What is Holden’s final ironic comment?