Podcast
Questions and Answers
Where was Holden at the beginning of the chapter?
Where was Holden at the beginning of the chapter?
Penn Station.
When Holden cannot think of anyone to call, what did he do?
When Holden cannot think of anyone to call, what did he do?
He takes a cab to the Edmont Hotel.
How did Holden attempt to engage a conversation with his cab driver?
How did Holden attempt to engage a conversation with his cab driver?
He asks him where the ducks in the Central Park lagoon go during the winter.
What was the first thing Holden saw when he looks out the window of his room?
What was the first thing Holden saw when he looks out the window of his room?
What was the second thing Holden saw when he looked out the window of his room?
What was the second thing Holden saw when he looked out the window of his room?
Who did Holden call after he felt aroused?
Who did Holden call after he felt aroused?
What was the reason as to why Holden was calling this particular person?
What was the reason as to why Holden was calling this particular person?
How did the person who Holden was calling respond to his dilemma?
How did the person who Holden was calling respond to his dilemma?
What was Holden's reaction to his caller's response?
What was Holden's reaction to his caller's response?
Which hotel did he stay in New York?
Which hotel did he stay in New York?
What did Holden do when he reached Penn Station?
What did Holden do when he reached Penn Station?
Who was Faith Cavendish?
Who was Faith Cavendish?
What type of rules did Holden have difficulty observing?
What type of rules did Holden have difficulty observing?
What excuse did Holden plan to use in order to get through to Jane Gallagher on the telephone after-hours?
What excuse did Holden plan to use in order to get through to Jane Gallagher on the telephone after-hours?
What was Holden's opinion of the Edmont Hotel?
What was Holden's opinion of the Edmont Hotel?
Why do you think that Holden did not want his mother to know that he was in NYC?
Why do you think that Holden did not want his mother to know that he was in NYC?
Why do you think Faith Cavendish was so angry when Holden called her?
Why do you think Faith Cavendish was so angry when Holden called her?
Study Notes
Chapter 9 Summary
- Holden starts the chapter at Penn Station, feeling isolated and disconnected.
- He decides not to call anyone and instead takes a cab to the Edmont Hotel, indicating his sense of aimlessness.
- Attempts to engage his cab driver in conversation by inquiring about the winter whereabouts of ducks in Central Park lagoon, showcasing his whimsical curiosity.
- At the Edmont Hotel, he observes a man in women's clothing from his window, highlighting his discomfort with societal norms.
- He witnesses a bizarre interaction between a couple spitting drinks at each other, reflecting the odd and perverse environment of the hotel.
- Calls Faith Cavendish, a stripper and prostitute, seeking companionship and a possible date.
- Faith declines his invitation but suggests meeting the next day, which contributes to Holden's feelings of rejection and loneliness.
- He reacts negatively to her refusal and abruptly hangs up, illustrating his emotional instability.
- Holden reflects on the people he considered calling (D.B., Phoebe, Jane Gallagher's mother, Sally Hayes, Carl Luce) but ultimately opts to call nobody.
- He has created personal rules around sex, revealing his confusion and immaturity regarding relationships and intimacy.
- Plans to feign a family emergency to get Jane Gallagher's attention, indicating desperation for connection.
- Holden deems the Edmont Hotel "lousy with perverts," showcasing his judgmental view of adult behavior.
- Concerned about his mother's reaction if she finds out he’s in New York, as it would lead to questions about his failure at Pencey Prep.
- Faith Cavendish's anger towards Holden’s late-night call reflects the boundaries he crosses in seeking human connection.
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Description
Test your knowledge of Chapter 9 from 'The Catcher in the Rye' with these flashcards. Explore key events and questions about Holden's experiences and thoughts at this point in the novel. Perfect for students looking to reinforce their understanding of this classic literature.
