Catcher In The Rye

Important questions

1. Describe the relationship between Holden and Pheobe.

2. How does Holden explain the role he sees himself performing as the catcher in the rye?

Holden’s Character

Negative about those around him. His initial use of diction – “lousy”, “crap” when referring to his parents. There is also something wrong with Selma Thurmer and her father. He has a number of problems with Ackley.

Negative about his school – Pencey. Cynical regarding the importance of the football game and his own involvement with the fencing team.

Character continued …

Any attention is good attention. He was ostracized by the fencing team. He found this funny, not upsetting.

Contradictory regarding Pencey. First he hated Pencey because it had too many crooks, then he seemed to admire the fact that it had “good academic standing”.

Character continued

Makes generalizations – the more expensive a school is the more crooks it has; “people never notice anything”.

Illustrates a lack of commitment. He quit Elkton, was kicked out of Whooton, and now is kicked out of Pencey.

Often refers to people has “phonies”. Self – Reflective: “I’m the most terrific liar …”

p.16

Symbolism

Ducks in the park. Holden wonders where they go. This might be symbolic of his child like wondering about the world. He may very well know that they fly south for the winter, but he continues to wonder where they go. “Peek-a boo” like.

Red hunting hat. He buys this hat while in New York with the fencing team. He wears it when in the conversation/argument with Ackley. It might be his way of isolating himself from the world - his protection.

Questions on Chapters 1-3

1. What does Holden’s descriptions of other people (Selma, Selma’s father Ackley, his professor) tell us about his character?

2. When the discussion with Ackley gets going, Holden pulls his hat down over his head. What does this tell us about him? Why do you think he bought the hat in the first place?

3. What qualities seem to be lacking in Holden which would lead to him being a happier or more successful person?

Prostitute Incident

See pages 95-97. Holden wants a real (genuine) relationship. To be intimate sexually

suggests such a relationship. He attempts this with a prostitute but is unable to both carry out the sexual act as well as form any type of relationship with her.

To hire a prostitute would suggest that one cannot have a genuine relationship. To fail to have a sexual encounter/ relationship with a prostitute suggests that Holden is totally inept when it comes to forming any type of meaningful relationship.

The attempt at conversation actually suggests a “phony” relationship as

Holden is unable to do even that – carry on a conversation.

His lying to the prostitute indicates that he is just as much a phony as he accuses so many other people of being.

The “Sally” Date chapter 17

It is probably intentional that Salinger puts the Sally date incident close on the

heels of the prostitute encounter. The prostitute incident is all about the shallowness of relationships in which

Holden can be involved.

Jane is someone with whom Holden might possibly form a relationship. Sally is the second such person. There seems to be some substance to it. They at least have conversations, even though Holden keeps changing the topic.

However, Holden ruins any chance of this relationship forming because he quickly

slips into an overly romantic notion of what it might look like – living beside a brook and he chopping all the wood needed for the winter.

It might be argued that Sally would be a good match for Holden as she seems to be able to see the practical necessities of life.

Chapter 20 – A Drunken Stupor

Holden gets drunk and tries to communicate with or form relationships with the bar employees. Again, he tries to form something other than a genuine bond with people. His drunken state suggests that he is in an altered state of consciousness – thus, not on firm emotional ground.

Holden makes the statement that when guys are done combing their hair that they just leave.

To comb one’s hair is to prepare for something – a dance … “I Hope you Dance”.

Thus, it is normal for young people to prepare for something then leave to pursue a chosen direction. Holden doesn’t, or can’t, do this.

Again in this chapter he looks for the ducks in the pond wondering where they are gone.

This is symbolic of his childhood tendencies – wondering about something that children wonder about.

Holden also mentions Allie’s funeral and visiting the cemetary.

What he recalls most vividly about this is the rain during his visits. This rain might symbolize his feelings about Allie’s death. He ends the chapter by referring to the fact that it was just very cold with nobody around.

Visiting Pheobe

In Holden’s opinion adults are phonies while children are more real and true.

Pheobe is the epitome of the perfect child as far as Holden is concerned.she looks nice when she sleeps – p.159

she is a very good speller – p.160she wakes up very easily – p. 161she looks good in red and blue elephants – p.163

Visiting Pheobe … con’t

Pheobe is also the only person who can get upset with Holden for being kicked out. As well, she is the only one who can point out to Holden that he doesn’t like anything.

She also suggests that he will not amount to anything in life – not a scientist or a lawyer. His reply is that he would like to be a catcher in the rye.

Visiting Pheobe con’t

Holden sees the role of the catcher in the rye as a protector of the children; one who holds their innocence in trust. When they wander out of the rye playground (childhood) he will keep them safe from falling over the cliff (adulthood).

Holden cannot grasp the concept that moving into adulthood is a natural part of life.

Visiting Pheobe con’t

Holden and Pheobe dance while he is visiting. This dance can be viewed symbolically. It might signify a celebration of life as in the songs “I Hope You Dance” and “Standing Outside the Fire”.

Holden also makes the statement that “You can’t teach somebody how to really dance.”

Mr. Antolini

Holden admits that Mr. Antolini is the best teacher he ever had. It is strange for Holden to admit to liking any adult.

It might be that this relationship is why Mr. Antolini is able to make comment about Holden not being focused in life (see page184) and hating everyone (see page 186 and 187).

Mr. Antolini attempts to act as a mentor for Holden by giving him advice (see page 188).

Antolini con’t

However, the chapter ends with Holden questioning Antolini’s intentions. Did he try to have a homosexual relationship with Holden? Holden seems to think so and runs away from him.

Antolini con’t

1. Summarize the advice given to Holden by Mr. Antolini.

2. Is this valid advice to be given to Holden? Explain why you think so.

Mummies, a play and a carnival

At the museum Holden meets and enjoys the company of two younger boys – he actually jokes with them. He sees it as his responsibility to teach them about the Egyptians and their mummies.

Holden becomes quite upset when Pheobe tells him that she is not going to be in the play.

It might be that when Pheobe tells him that she is not going to be in the play that Holden feels that she is giving up on things that offer enjoyment in life, he says “Whuddaya want to do? Not be in the play for God’s sake?” (page 207)

Holden also tells Pheobe that he intends to go live in a cabin and, in essence, be a hermit. Pheobe says that she wants to come and live with him. This again upsets Holden. He realizes that, for Pheobe, this is not a healthy way to live. He wants her to be taking a part in a play … taking part in life.

When at the carnival Holden watches the children, including Pheobe, riding the horses. While doing this the kids were reaching for the golden ring. Holden realizes that this is necessary for kids, it symbolizes reaching for the good things that life can offer (page 211).

Pheobe’s Offer

When she finishes her ride, Pheobe says to Holden, “You ride once, too, this time …”.

Holden replies that he will just watch. This suggests that he is not ready to, able to or capable of taking part in life’s activities; he is not ready to, able to or capable of dancing; he is not ready to, able to or capable of moving inside the fire … and trying life.

Thoughts to Ponder (and questions to complete).1. “Attitude is the mind’s paintbrush.” Describe

Holden’s attitude toward life. What type of picture would he paint?

2. Is Pheobe going to be a help for Holden even though she is younger?

3. Does Holden make a decision to have a negative attitude or do some people just have negative attitudes?

4. Compare Holden and Schindler in terms of their attitude toward life.

5. Why do you think there is so little attention in the novel to Holden’s parents?