Characters
The protagonist and narrator of The Catcher in the Rye
Holden Caulfield
The name of the school Holden attends at the beginning of the novel
Pencey Prep
The theme explored through Holden’s constant criticism of “phoniness” in the adult world
The theme of innocence vs. adulthood
Holden feels depressed and restless after being kicked out of Pencey Prep, wandering aimlessly and avoiding responsibility.
Holden struggles with his own emotions, direction, and sense of identity.
The red hunting hat Holden wears symbolizes this.
His desire for individuality and a shield against the adult world
Character Holden criticizes for being “phony” and lacking authenticity
His brother, D.B.
Event that causes Holden to leave Pencey Prep prematurely?
He is expelled for failing his classes.
Holden's description of his brother Allie and its effect the theme of the story
It shows his grief that impacts his social skills
Holden's main reason for failing.
Holden finds school to be meaningless and unworthy of his effort.
The phoniness that Holden talks about symbolizes this
The phoniness Holden talks about symbolizes the superficiality and hypocrisy that he sees in the adult world.
Holden's roommate that has terrible hygiene habits
Ackley
Where Holden goes after leaving Pencey Prep?
New York City
Theme that Holden’s deep sadness and isolation highlight throughout the first chapters
The theme of loneliness and alienation.
In Chapter 7, Holden experiences conflict with his roommate Stradlater. The cause of their argument.
Stradlater asks Holden to write an essay for him, which leads to a physical fight over Stradlater’s treatment of Jane Gallagher.
Holden's frequent use of the sarcasm symbolize this
His lack of confidence and his tendency to avoid strong statements or opinions.
Character Holden has an encounter with at Pencey Prep, who is part of the fencing team
The manager of the fencing team
Event Holden skips in order to say goodbye to his English professor
Football game
Holden’s failure to connect with people at Pencey represents this.
The theme of disconnection and the difficulty of communication.
Holden has a conflict with society and its expectations. His thoughts about the idea of becoming a “phony” adult
He is repelled by the idea and rejects the conventional path to adulthood.
Holden's frequent fights represent this
His isolationism and lack of getting along with others.
The student at Pencey Prep whom Holden recalls in a somewhat negative light for being a "phony," and he later has a heated argument with
Ward Stradlater
Stradlater on the night Holden decided to leave
He was on a date with Jane, an old friend of Holden's.
Holden’s mixed feelings about his future reflect which key theme in the novel?
The theme of fear of growing up and uncertainty about the future.
This triggers Holden’s mental and emotional breakdown that can be seen as an ongoing internal conflict
His deep sense of alienation and inability to cope with the adult world.
The death of his brother, Allie, and the baseball glove he keeps symbolizes this in Holden's life
Holden’s grief, emotional trauma, and attachment to his lost innocence.