The Catcher in the Rye
By J.D. Salinger
Discussion chapters 1-10
I. Memory Association Free-write:
· Have you ever noticed that one memory leads to another, which leads to another? This is called memory association and it is what Holden does throughout the novel. Sometimes two ideas that have nothing to do with each other can be connected. For instance, sassafras makes me think of my Grandmother which makes me think of the woods, etc.
· Now that you understand what memory association is, write for less than 5 minutes in the text box below. You should free-write (write without stopping and just let one memory flow to the next). Write on the topic in the text box below.
II. Locate some “Holdenisms” and identify narrator characteristics:
· Holden narrates with a very distinct style and characteristics. Locate some “Holdenisms” (things he repeatedly says) and write them in the chart below. Try to quote exact words or phrases.
III. Allie’s Baseball Mitt = Psychological Roots of Holden’s Attitude:
· Reread page 38-39 (end of chapter 5) where Holden talks about his brother Allie and writes the essay for Stradlater on Allie’s baseball mitt.
o What lines stand out to you as red flags or indicators of Holden’s lack of closure on his brother’s death?
o What can you assess about Holden based upon this passage and how is his handling of his brother’s death reflected in his behavior and attitude?
IV. Study Guide Questions for Catcher in the Rye (ch. 1-10):
· Answer the following study guide questions as specifically as possible to prove you’ve read book.
Chapter 1:
(1) What kind of tone is established in the first paragraph? Cite specific words or lines for proof.
Chapter 2:
(2) Holden stops in to say good-bye to old Spencer; and as he sits there, he gets more and more upset. Why? Holden chooses to go there, why?
Chapter 3:
(3) How is it possible that despite Holden’s statement in the first line of chapter 3, “I’m the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life,” the reader believes nearly everything he says?
Chapter 4:
(4) Do Mr. Spencer, Ackley, and Stradlater strike you as believable people? What descriptions or observations does Holden use for each person? Is it effective? Can you relate to his descriptions?
Chapter 5:
(5) In what ways is Holden’s red hunting hat a symbol of his alienation?
Chapter 6:
(6) Why is Holden so angry with Stradlater?
Chapter 7:
(7) At the end of this chapter, why is Holden on the verge of crying? Why does he decide to go home? What does he yell to the dorm on the way out?
Chapter 8:
(8) Why does Holden tell lies to Mrs. Morrow on the train about her son?
Chapter 9:
(9) What question does Holden ask the cab driver? What could this concern for ducks symbolize?
Chapter 10:
(10) Holden thinks a lot of people are “phony” throughout the opening of the book. Recall how he feels about Allie, Jane Gallagher, and his sister Phoebe. Why does he keep hanging on to these three?