Chapters 14-15 - The Catcher in the Rye

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Questions and Answers

What memory about Allie does Holden recall after Sunny leaves?

Holden recalls the time he and his friend Bobby Fallon were going to Lake Sedebego to shoot things with their BB guns, and when Allie asked to go with them, Holden didn't let him because he was a child.

What does Holden think about after he gets the urge to pray?

Holden thinks about the Disciples and how much they annoy him.

What happens as a result of the confrontation with Maurice?

Maurice the elevator guy shoved Holden and then he flicked Holden in an area he won't say, causing Holden to yell insults at Maurice, who then turned around and smacked Holden and punched him in the stomach.

Who shows up at the door in the middle of the night and why?

Maurice and Sunny show up at the door in the middle of the night demanding more money from Holden. Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden say is the reason he would not jump out of the window?

Holden says that he will not jump out of the window because he doesn't want a bunch of random people to see his dead body. Signup and view all the answers

Why does Holden refuse to pay the rest of the money?

Holden refuses to pay the rest of the money because Maurice originally told him it was only $5, which he already paid. Signup and view all the answers

What is Holden's opinion on Sally?

Holden had known Sally for a while, but he isn't too fond of her. She seems to be intelligent when she really isn't. Signup and view all the answers

Describe Holden's encounter with the nuns at lunch.

Holden's encounter with the Nuns was one of the first positive experiences he has had with other people. He gave them ten dollars for a contribution, and then they started to have a civilized discussion about where Holden goes to school, his favorite class, and Romeo and Juliet. Signup and view all the answers

Describe the fantasy Holden has after his encounter with the nuns.

Holden imagines that he takes a shot of bourbon, goes into the bathroom with an automatic in his pocket, staggering, goes downstairs with blood trickling out of his mouth and guts, and then he shoots Maurice. Signup and view all the answers

How do you think fantasies function for Holden? Why are they so important?

Fantasies function as a way to escape reality and exist as a means for Holden to imagine things he wants to do or have. They are important because they are a coping mechanism and show what Holden truly wants. Signup and view all the answers

Who does Holden end up calling? Why?

Holden ends up calling Sally to ask her on a date. Signup and view all the answers

What are the plans that Holden makes with Sally?

Holden makes plans with Sally to go see a theater performance. Signup and view all the answers

What day of the week is it?

Sunday Signup and view all the answers

What does Holden reveal about his relationship with money?

Holden doesn't have a very good relationship with money because he is always spending it. Money makes him blue; sad. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Memory of Allie

Holden recalls a significant moment with his deceased brother Allie, refusing to let him join a BB gun outing to Lake Sedebego, indicating Holden's protective nature and remorse over Allie's age.

Urge to Pray

After feeling the urge to pray, Holden's thoughts shift towards the Disciples, whom he finds irritating, reflecting his struggles with faith and connection.

Confrontation with Maurice

Maurice confronts Holden, shoving him and hitting him after Holden yells insults, showcasing Holden's volatile interactions and vulnerability.

Late-Night Demand

Maurice and Sunny visit Holden in the middle of the night, demanding more money, highlighting the themes of exploitation and Holden's precarious situation.

Reflection on Death

Holden contemplates not jumping out the window because he doesn't want his body to be seen by strangers, revealing his deep-seated fears of death and humiliation.

Refusal to Pay

Holden's refusal to pay Maurice more than the agreed $5 underscores his principles and discomfort with being taken advantage of.

Opinion on Sally

Holden's mixed feelings toward Sally indicate his critical view of superficial intelligence, implying his longing for genuine connections.

Encounter with the Nuns

Holden's positive interaction with nuns marks a rare moment of warmth and connection. He donates $10 and engages in meaningful dialogue, furthering his character development.

Violent Fantasy

Following his encounter with the nuns, Holden fantasizes about violence against Maurice, demonstrating his inner turmoil and desire for control in chaotic situations.

Function of Fantasies

Fantasies serve as a coping mechanism for Holden, representing his escape from painful realities and revealing his unfulfilled desires and aspirations.

Calling Sally

Holden decides to call Sally for a date, indicating his attempt to find companionship despite his emotional struggles.

Plans with Sally

The plan to see a theater performance with Sally shows Holden's desire to engage socially, even as he grapples with his isolation.

Day of the Week

The events take place on a Sunday, situating Holden’s experiences within a specific temporal context in his narrative journey.

Relationship with Money

Holden's troubled relationship with money reflects his impulsive spending habits and emotional struggles, illustrating how financial matters affect his mental state.

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Description

Test your knowledge of key concepts from chapters 14 and 15 of 'The Catcher in the Rye'. This quiz includes important memories and thoughts of Holden Caulfield that highlight his character development. Challenge yourself with these flashcards and deepen your understanding of the text.