Catcher in the Rye Chapters 1-2 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

From what point of view is the story told?

First person through Holden

Which of the following best describes Holden's tone in these chapters?

Joyful and optimistic

Indifferent

Confident and assertive

Bitter and negative (correct)

Where is Holden as the story begins?

At a rest home for therapy (mental institution)

According to Holden, what does his brother, DB, do for a living?

He is a Hollywood writer; Holden calls him a prostitute for selling out to phonies Signup and view all the answers

Why is Holden being kicked out of Pencey Prep?

He is kicked out for failing 4 out of 5 classes; the only class he passed was English. Signup and view all the answers

What did Holden do that forced the Pencey Prep fencing team to return from NY early?

He lost all their equipment on the subway. Signup and view all the answers

Whose house does Holden decide to visit at the end of the first chapter?

Mr. Spencer, his social studies teacher Signup and view all the answers

According to Mr. Spencer, life is a _____?

game Signup and view all the answers

What advice does Mr. Spencer offer to Holden?

To play by the rules Signup and view all the answers

What does Mr. Spencer do that annoys Holden?

Reads Holden's essay out loud; which he failed Signup and view all the answers

Why does Holden leave Mr. Spencer's house so quickly?

Holden is uncomfortable facing his own actions. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Narrative Perspective

The story is narrated in the first person through the character Holden Caulfield.

Holden's Tone

Described as bitter and negative, embodying the viewpoint of a disenchanted teenager.

Setting

The narrative begins with Holden in a rest home for therapy, indicating his troubled mental state.

Holden's Brother

Holden's brother, D.B., is a Hollywood writer, whom Holden derogatorily refers to as a "prostitute" for compromising his talent for commercial success.

Academic Struggles

Holden is expelled from Pencey Prep for failing four out of five classes, with English being the sole subject he passed.

Fencing Team Incident

He caused the fencing team to return from a trip to New York prematurely by misplacing all their equipment on the subway.

Visit to Mr. Spencer

At the end of the first chapter, Holden plans to visit Mr. Spencer, his social studies teacher, indicating a desire for guidance or connection.

Life Philosophy

Mr. Spencer describes life as a "game," suggesting a competitive outlook that contrasts with Holden's perspective.

Advice to Holden

Mr. Spencer advises Holden to "play by the rules," hinting at the importance of structure and adherence to social norms.

Holden's Discomfort

Holden is irritated when Mr. Spencer reads his failed essay aloud, as it exposes his inadequacies and increases his discomfort.

Quick Exit

Holden leaves Mr. Spencer's house hastily because he is overwhelmed by the reality of his own actions and failures, highlighting his struggle with self-acceptance.

Description

Test your knowledge of the key concepts from the first two chapters of 'The Catcher in the Rye'. This quiz covers important points of view, character tones, and setting as introduced in the story. Use these flashcards to reinforce your understanding and recall of Holden Caulfield's experiences.