Podcast
Questions and Answers
How does Holden 'act' again in this chapter?
How does Holden 'act' again in this chapter?
Holden demonstrates PTSD.
What happens to Holden at the Wicker Bar?
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?
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?
Where does Holden go right after he leaves the bar?
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What information does Holden finally tell us about Allie's funeral?
What information does Holden finally tell us about Allie's funeral?
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What does Holden say about Allie that contradicts all his other statements about being an atheist?
What does Holden say about Allie that contradicts all his other statements about being an atheist?
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After he leaves the park, where does Holden go?
After he leaves the park, where does Holden go?
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What does Holden find so intriguing about Phoebe's notebook?
What does Holden find so intriguing about Phoebe's notebook?
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Why did it depress Holden when an 'old guy' told him that his days at Pencey were the happiest days of his life?
Why did it depress Holden when an 'old guy' told him that his days at Pencey were the happiest days of his life?
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What does it tell us about Holden when Phoebe states, 'You don't like anything that's happening'?
What does it tell us about Holden when Phoebe states, 'You don't like anything that's happening'?
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Why does Holden think about James Castle when Phoebe asks him to name one thing that he likes a lot?
Why does Holden think about James Castle when Phoebe asks him to name one thing that he likes a lot?
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What does Holden tell Phoebe he would like to be?
What does Holden tell Phoebe he would like to be?
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Who is Mr. Antolini?
Who is Mr. Antolini?
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How does Phoebe cover for Holden when their parents come home?
How does Phoebe cover for Holden when their parents come home?
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In talking with her parents, how does Phoebe 'sound' like Holden?
In talking with her parents, how does Phoebe 'sound' like Holden?
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What does Phoebe do that makes Holden cry?
What does Phoebe do that makes Holden cry?
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What does Holden give to Phoebe?
What does Holden give to Phoebe?
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Why did Holden fail his speech class?
Why did Holden fail his speech class?
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How does Holden feel physically while he talks to Mr. Antolini?
How does Holden feel physically while he talks to Mr. Antolini?
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What does Holden say about hating people, such as Ackley and Stradlater?
What does Holden say about hating people, such as Ackley and Stradlater?
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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'?
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'?
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How does Antolini upset and scare Holden?
How does Antolini upset and scare Holden?
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Later, after he has had time to think about it, what does Holden think about Antolini?
Later, after he has had time to think about it, what does Holden think about Antolini?
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Why does the article on hormones upset Holden?
Why does the article on hormones upset Holden?
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What strange feeling does Holden start to have when he steps off of curbs?
What strange feeling does Holden start to have when he steps off of curbs?
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Why does he keep repeating, 'Allie, don't let me disappear'?
Why does he keep repeating, 'Allie, don't let me disappear'?
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What does Holden decide he must do next? Where does he first go?
What does Holden decide he must do next? Where does he first go?
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With all the bad language that Holden uses, why was he so upset that curse words were written on a school wall?
With all the bad language that Holden uses, why was he so upset that curse words were written on a school wall?
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How does Holden treat the two small boys in the museum?
How does Holden treat the two small boys in the museum?
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Why is it so important to Holden that Phoebe not be mad at him? Relate this to his past and Allie.
Why is it so important to Holden that Phoebe not be mad at him? Relate this to his past and Allie.
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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'?
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'?
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What does the carousel symbolize?
What does the carousel symbolize?
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At the conclusion, where is Holden?
At the conclusion, where is Holden?
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What does Holden mean when he says, 'Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.'?
What does Holden mean when he says, 'Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.'?
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Is Holden Caulfield crazy? Why or why not? Include at least four pieces of evidence from the text.
Is Holden Caulfield crazy? Why or why not? Include at least four pieces of evidence from the text.
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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.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
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.
