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The Odyssey
The Picture of Dorian Gray
The Scarlet Letter
The Taming of the Shrew
Things Fall Apart
Shakespeare
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No Fear Shakespeare Translations
Shakespeare Study Guides
Shakespeare Life & Times
Glossary of Shakespeare Terms
Literature
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No Fear Literature Translations
Literature Study Guides
Glossary of Literary Terms
How to Write Literary Analysis
Other Subjects
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Biography
Biology
Chemistry
Computer Science
Drama
Economics
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Health
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Physics
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US Government and Politics
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The Catcher in the Rye
J. D. Salinger
Study Guide
Infographic
Study Guide
Infographic
Summary
Summary & Analysis
Chapters 1–2
Chapters 3–4
Chapters 5–6
Chapters 7–9
Chapters 10–12
Chapters 13–15
Chapters 16–17
Chapters 18–20
Chapters 21–23
Chapter 24
Chapters 25–26
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Character List
Holden Caulfield
Phoebe Caulfield
Mr. Antolini
Mr. Spencer
Stradlater
Carl Luce
Literary Devices
Themes
Motifs
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Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Genre
Allusions
Style
Point of View
Tone
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Questions & Answers
What is a catcher in the rye and why does Holden want to be one?
Does Mr. Antolini really make a pass at Holden?
Why does Holden run away from Pencey?
Does Holden have sex with Sunny, the prostitute?
What happens to Holden after his date with Sally Hayes and his meeting with Carl Luce both end badly?
What is the setting for The Catcher in the Rye?
Does Holden have a mental illness?
Why does Holden wear the red hunting hat?
How does Holden feel about Jane?
What is Holden’s relationship with Phoebe like?
How does Allie’s death affect Holden?
Why does Holden hate “phonies”?
Why is Holden obsessed with the ducks at the Central Park Lagoon?
Where is Holden as he narrates the story?
Does Holden kill himself?
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By Theme
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By Section
Chapters 1–2
Chapters 3–4
Chapters 5–6
Chapters 7–9
Chapters 10–12
Chapters 13–15
Chapters 16–17
Chapters 18–20
Chapters 21–23
Chapter 24
Chapters 25–26
By Character
Holden Caulfield
Phoebe Caulfield
Mr. Antolini
Mr. Spencer
Stradlater
Carl Luce
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The “Catcher in the Rye”
Holden’s Red Hunting Hat
The Museum of Natural History
The Ducks in the Central Park Lagoon
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Pencey Prep
New York City
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Chapters 1-2
Chapters 3-4
Chapters 5-6
Chapters 7-9
Chapters 10-12
Chapters 13-15
Chapters 16-17
Chapters 18-20
Chapters 21-23
Chapter 24
Chapters 25-26
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Historical Context Essay
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What Does the Ending Mean?
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J.D. Salinger and The Catcher in the Rye Background
Quick Quizzes
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
Quick Quizzes
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
1
of 5
What does Holden call people he thinks are superficial?
Flits
Phonies
Champs
Stradlaters
2
of 5
Who does Holden think should have sex?
Teens experimenting with casual sex
Men and prostitutes
Couples who care a lot about each other
Only married couples
3
of 5
What does Phoebe help the reader understand about Holden?
Holden is not really so messed up.
Holden's mean to her.
Holden constantly tells lies and makes false promises.
Holden is deeply sad and has difficulty maturing.
4
of 5
How does Mr. Antolini gain Holden's trust?
By offering Holden a drink
By being unconventional and encouraging
By making it clear to Holden that he's attracted to him
By sharing his private journals
5
of 5
Why does Holden regret his initial assumption that Mr. Antolini tried to molest him?
Because Mr. Antolini is going to get in trouble with the police
He realizes he often makes hasty judgments about people.
He would have slept better if he had stayed.
He understands that Mr. Antolini was making a cry for help.
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