Catcher in the Rye Chapters 20-26 Quiz

Questions and Answers

How does Holden 'act' again in this chapter?

Holden demonstrates PTSD.

What happens to Holden at the Wicker Bar?

Holden calls Sally but ends up yelling at her grandmother.

What happens to Phoebe's record? What does this represent?

Phoebe's record breaks in the park, representing her lost innocence.

Where does Holden go right after he leaves the bar?

Holden goes to Central Park. Signup and view all the answers

What information does Holden finally tell us about Allie's funeral?

He mentions that many family members were present. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden say about Allie that contradicts all his other statements about being an atheist?

He worries about the afterlife. Signup and view all the answers

After he leaves the park, where does Holden go?

Holden decides to go home. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden find so intriguing about Phoebe's notebook?

Phoebe's middle name, Josephine. Signup and view all the answers

Why did it depress Holden when an 'old guy' told him that his days at Pencey were the happiest days of his life?

He felt he had removed happiness from his life. Signup and view all the answers

What does it tell us about Holden when Phoebe states, 'You don't like anything that's happening'?

He is very depressed. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Holden think about James Castle when Phoebe asks him to name one thing that he likes a lot?

He wants to deny his feelings of loss. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden tell Phoebe he would like to be?

The catcher in the rye. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mr. Antolini?

Holden's English teacher. Signup and view all the answers

How does Phoebe cover for Holden when their parents come home?

She says she was smoking a cigarette. Signup and view all the answers

In talking with her parents, how does Phoebe 'sound' like Holden?

She disobeys her parents. Signup and view all the answers

What does Phoebe do that makes Holden cry?

She gives him her Christmas money. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden give to Phoebe?

His red hunting hat. Signup and view all the answers

Why did Holden fail his speech class?

He didn't attend class. Signup and view all the answers

How does Holden feel physically while he talks to Mr. Antolini?

He feels ill. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden say about hating people, such as Ackley and Stradlater?

He misses them. Signup and view all the answers

What does Antolini's quote mean, 'The mark of the immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of the mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one'?

Immature men think they must die for a cause. Signup and view all the answers

How does Antolini upset and scare Holden?

Mr. Antolini strokes Holden's head. Signup and view all the answers

Later, after he has had time to think about it, what does Holden think about Antolini?

He thinks he is a pervert. Signup and view all the answers

Why does the article on hormones upset Holden?

He realizes he has bad hormones. Signup and view all the answers

What strange feeling does Holden start to have when he steps off of curbs?

He feels very depressed. Signup and view all the answers

Why does he keep repeating, 'Allie, don't let me disappear'?

He feels like a ghost. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden decide he must do next? Where does he first go?

He must go to the museum to return Phoebe's money. Signup and view all the answers

With all the bad language that Holden uses, why was he so upset that curse words were written on a school wall?

He sees it as a corrupter of innocence. Signup and view all the answers

How does Holden treat the two small boys in the museum?

He is kind to them. Signup and view all the answers

Why is it so important to Holden that Phoebe not be mad at him? Relate this to his past and Allie.

He wants to be a protective older brother. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden mean when he states, 'The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it's bad if you say anything to them'?

You must let kids make their own mistakes. Signup and view all the answers

What does the carousel symbolize?

Eternal innocence. Signup and view all the answers

At the conclusion, where is Holden?

Talking to a therapist. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden mean when he says, 'Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.'?

Attachment leads to longing. Signup and view all the answers

Is Holden Caulfield crazy? Why or why not? Include at least four pieces of evidence from the text.

Holden Caulfield is not crazy. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Holden's Mental State

Exhibits PTSD, feeling intense emotional pain, indicated by the phrase "bullet in my guts."
Depresses when reminiscing about Pencey Prep, identifying unhappiness in his past.
Experiences anger and frustration during phone interactions, particularly with Sally's grandmother.

Family Relationships

Reflects on Allie's funeral attendance, highlighting familial connections and grief in times of loss.
Contradicts his assertions of atheism by contemplating the afterlife and the impact of Allie's death on his family.

Broken Innocence

Phoebe's broken record symbolizes the loss of childhood innocence.
Displays care and concern for Phoebe by valuing her middle name, Josephine, indicative of familial bonds.

Emotional Connections

Phoebe's actions, such as offering her Christmas money, evoke deep emotional responses from Holden.
Acknowledges missing acquaintances like Ackley and Stradlater, illustrating the complexity of his relationships.

Aspirations and Ideals

Expresses a desire to be the "catcher in the rye," symbolizing his wish to protect children from the harshness of adulthood.
Engages in philosophical discussions with Mr. Antolini about maturity, death, and the struggles of growing up.

Confusion and Relationships

Feels ill and disturbed during meetings with Mr. Antolini, interpreting gestures as threatening.
Questions his perceptions of men, prompting reflection on societal norms and personal beliefs.

Encountering Reality

Discovers an article on hormones, leading to self-reflection and feelings of inadequacy.
Experiences depression manifested through physical sensations during everyday activities, particularly while stepping off curbs.

Final Reflections

Repeats the plea, "Allie, don't let me disappear," underscoring his desire for connection and fear of being forgotten.
At the conclusion, Holden is in therapy, suggesting acknowledgment of his struggles and the possibility of growth.
Concludes with the notion that sharing experiences leads to missing others, reflecting on deep human connections.

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Test your understanding of key events and character developments in chapters 20 to 26 of 'The Catcher in the Rye' by J.D. Salinger. These flashcards focus on Holden's experiences, emotions, and pivotal moments that shape the narrative. Perfect for reinforcing your analysis and interpretation of these chapters.