The Catcher in the Rye
Discussion Questions—Ch. 12 – 16
Ch. 12 & 13
1. What does Horowitz, the cab driver, say about the fish in the Central Park lagoon (83).
How does this comment relate to the ducks metaphor we’ve been discussing?
2. Why does Holden call himself “yellow”? Do you agree that he’s cowardly?
3. What do Holden’s interactions with and observations about Sunny, Lillian Simmons, and
the couples at Ernie’s reveal about his attitudes toward women, sex, and romance?
4. Why is Holden glad he didn’t say thank you to Sunny?
Ch. 14
1. Holden shares a new memory about Allie (98). What’s significant about it?
2. What do you make of Holden’s spiritual views (99-100)?
3. What are your reactions to the way Holden handles the confrontation with Maurice? How
does this confrontation compare with Holden’s fight with Stradlater?
Ch. 15
1. What new info do we get about Holden’s parents (107)?
2. What do you make of Holden’s views on suitcases (108 – 109)?
3. What’s significant about Holden’s interaction with the nuns?
4. What’s significant about Holden’s views on Romeo and Juliet?
Ch. 16
1. Finally, a reference to “rye” (115). What do you make of it?
2. Analyze Holden’s reminiscence about the Museum of Natural History (119 – 122).
3. Holden observes and/or interacts with a number of children in this chapter. Analyze his
thoughts and behavior concerning the kids.