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The Catcher in the Rye
J. D. Salinger
Study Guide
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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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Holden Caulfield
Phoebe Caulfield
Mr. Antolini
Mr. Spencer
Stradlater
Carl Luce
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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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Chapters 1–2
Chapters 3–4
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Chapters 21–23
Chapter 24
Chapters 25–26
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Holden Caulfield
Phoebe Caulfield
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Mr. Spencer
Stradlater
Carl Luce
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Holden’s Red Hunting Hat
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The Ducks in the Central Park Lagoon
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Pencey Prep
New York City
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Chapters 1-2
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Chapters 21-23
Chapter 24
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J.D. Salinger and The Catcher in the Rye Background
Quick Quizzes
Chapters 21-23 Quiz
Quick Quizzes
Chapters 21-23 Quiz
1
of 5
What does Holden finally say when Phoebe presses him to name one thing he really likes?
Jane
Singing
Allie
Going to the movies
2
of 5
What happened to James Castle when the boys tormented him?
He took back the thing he said about the conceited boy.
He fell into a coma and had to be hospitalized.
He climbed out the window and down a tree.
He jumped out a window and died trying to get away from them.
3
of 5
What does the lyric-"if a body catch a body coming through the rye"-that Holden misquotes make him imagine?
Walking in the street just along the curb while cars race by, honking
Standing at the edge of a cliff and catching children who come too close to the edge
Being a little kid playing in a field of rye
Running off to become a farmer in Maine or Vermont
4
of 5
What happens when Holden's parents come home?
They see Holden and get really angry with him.
Holden hides in the closet, then he gives Phoebe his hunting cap, borrows money, and leaves.
They are surprised to find Holden hiding in Phoebe's closet, but immensely relieved he has come home.
Holden exits by Phoebe's fire escape and climbs down to the street.
5
of 5
Whom does Holden call in the middle of the night from his house?
Stradlater, whom he never said goodbye to
Mr. Antolini, his old English teacher, whom he liked
Luce's father who is a psychoanalyst and might be able to help him
An ambulance, because he feels like he might pass out
Previous section
Chapters 18-20 Quick Quiz
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Chapter 24 Quick Quiz
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