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The Catcher in the Rye
J. D. Salinger
Study Guide
Summary
Plot Overview
Key Questions and Answers
What Does the Ending Mean?
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
Video Plot Summary
Characters
Character List
Holden Caulfield
Phoebe Caulfield
Mr. Antolini
Mr. Spencer
Stradlater
Carl Luce
Main Ideas
Themes
Plot Analysis
Protagonist
Antagonist
Setting
Motifs
Symbols
Genre
Allusions
Style
Point of View
Tone
Foreshadowing
Key Facts
What Does the Title Mean?
Quotes
Important Quotations Explained
Quotes By Theme
Religion
Inaction
Appearances
Performance
Quotes 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
Quotes By Character
Holden Caulfield
Phoebe Caulfield
Mr. Antolini
Mr. Spencer
Stradlater
Carl Luce
Quotes By Symbol
The “Catcher in the Rye”
Holden’s Red Hunting Hat
The Museum of Natural History
The Ducks in the Central Park Lagoon
Further Study
Context
Mental Health in the Mid-Twentieth Century
Catcher and Vernacular Literature
Movie Adaptations
Full Book Quiz
Section Quizzes
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
Character List
Analysis of Major Characters
Themes, Motifs, and Symbols
Study Questions
Suggestions for Further Reading
Companion Texts
Writing Help
How to Write Literary Analysis
Suggested Essay Topics
Sample A+ Essay
How to Cite This SparkNote
Further Study
Analysis of Major Characters Quiz
Further Study
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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Themes, Motifs, and Symbols Quick Quiz
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The Catcher in the Rye
Character List
CHARACTERS
Plot Analysis
MAIN IDEAS
What Does the Title Mean?
MAIN IDEAS
Quotes by Theme
QUOTES
Themes
MAIN IDEAS
Review Quiz
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