Catcher in the Rye

Outline for Study

Pre-Reading:
• Discussion of J.D. Salinger and the novel’s history

Reading:
• Study questions for homework (attached)
Due Dates: Chapters 1—4 _____
Chapters 5—8 _____
Chapters 9—12 _____
Chapters 13—17 _____
Chapters 18—22 _____
Chapters 23—26 _____
• Class discussions
• Create a title for each section
• An individual quiz after selected readings

Post-Reading:
• Group discussion/review questions
• Individual objective exam
• Regents Study Guide
• Individual essay on your choice of Regents Critical Lens prompts

Notes:

"What I have to do, I have to catch everybody if they start to go over the cliff— I
mean if they’re running and they don’t look where they’re going I have to come
out from somewhere and catch them. That’s all I’d do all day. I’d just be the
catcher in the rye and all."
--Salinger
Chapters 1—4
Your Title: “_____________________________________________”
Your Drawing:

1. Why does the book begin with the words, “If you want to know
the truth…”?

2. What is important in the school motto at Pencey?

3. Why has Holden “forgotten” to mention his dismissal from

Pencey?

4. What is significant in Holden’s remark about Mrs. Spencer

opening the door herself?

5. What is the importance of Holden’s confrontation with Mr.

Spencer?

6. What is important about Holden’s exam paper?

7. What is the importance of Holden’s new hat?

8. What is signified when Holden misplaces the foils?

9. What is Holden’s attitude toward Ackley?

10. How is Stradlater characterized?

Extra credit for all of the study guide sections: Write your own
question and answer it.
Chapters 5—8
Your Title: “_____________________________________________”
Your Drawing:

1. Why does Holden enjoy the snowball fight?

2. What is the importance of his composition about Allie?

3. What are Holden’s fears about Jane and Stradlater?

4. What is Holden’s first action after the fight?

5. Why does Holden consider going into a monastery?

6. Why is Holden so lonely at Pencey?

7. What emotions do the new skates create in Holden?

Chapters 9—12
Your Title: “_____________________________________________”
Your Drawing:

1. What is Holden’s first act upon arriving in New York?

2. What is signified by the ducks in the lagoon?

3. What is Holden’s attitude about sex?

4. Why does Holden think of the ducks again?

5. Why does Holden scorn the “ivy league” boys he sees?

6. What compromise does Holden make?

Chapters 13—17
Your Title: “_____________________________________________”
Your Drawing:

1. Why doesn’t Holden have sex with Sunny?

2. What is Holden’s mental state after Sunny leaves?

3. What is Holden’s attitude toward the nuns?

4. Why is the museum appealing to Holden?

5. What contradiction exists in his attitude toward Sally?

Extra credit: What is significant in the reference (allusion) to

Mercutio?
Chapters 18—22
Your Title: “_____________________________________________”
Your Drawing:

1. Why does Holden think of Jane?

2. What is the significance of Carl Luce?

3. Who does Holden attempt to make contact with at the beginning

of the chapter?

4. Why does Holden muse (think about) his own death?

5. What is the first impression given about Phoebe?

6. What movie does Phoebe see, and why is it important?

7. How does Phoebe punish Holden?

Chapters 23—26
Your Title: “_____________________________________________”
Your Drawing:

1. Why does Holden give Phoebe his hunting cap?

2. What is the importance of Mr. Antolini’s advice?

3. What is Holden’s condition at Antolini’s house?

4. Why does Holden write to Phoebe?

5. Why does Holden refuse to take Phoebe along?

6. What new knowledge does Holden gain watching Phoebe on

the carousel?