Themes/Symbols
What does the carousel symbolize?
A. Childhood and growing up
B. School pressure
C. Wealth and success
D. Danger and fear
A. Childhood and growing up
When Holden feels like he is disappearing when crossing the street, what does he do?
Talks to Allie
Why does Phoebe become upset with Holden when he comes home to visit her?
He got expelled again
He doesn't seem to like anything or anyone
He doesn't seem to have any direction in life
Why does Holden like the museum exhibits?
They never change, unlike people
Why is Holden telling his story from the institution?
He is recovering emotionally and mentally, reflecting on how he ended up there
What might the broken record symbolize?
A. The end of music
B. Holden’s financial struggles
C. Phoebe’s anger
D. Holden’s damaged innocence and inability to preserve perfection
Who is Mr. Antolini? Why does Holden leave his house?
Holden's former teacher, Mr. Antolini touches his head and watches him sleep
What does Holden buy Phoebe? What happens to it?
A record, Holden drops it and it breaks
What does Holden imagine the “catcher in the rye” doing?
Saving children from falling off a cliff, preserving their innocence
At the end of the novel, Holden is writing from:
A mental hospital
What is one major message of The Catcher in the Rye?
A. Growing up is painful but unavoidable
B. Adults are always dishonest
C. Childhood should last forever
D. School is unnecessary
A. Growing up is painful but unavoidable
Who is Carl Luce?
Holden’s old schoolmate that gives him life advice
Why does Holden try to erase the graffiti at Phoebe's school?
He hopes to protect children from ugliness and adulthood
What tragic event involving a classmate does Holden remember Mr. Antolini handling?
A student committing suicide after bullying
Why is Holden obsessed with innocence throughout the novel?
He fears adulthood, corruption, and change
Who is Sally Hayes? Where do Holden and Sally go together?
A girl Holden goes on a date with to an ice rink and the movies
How did Holden react the night Allie died?
He broke windows in the garage
Why might Holden be considered an unreliable narrator?
He admits to lying and exaggerating
What does Holden say children should be allowed to do on the carousel? (Think of the Tiktok I showed last week)
Grab for the gold ring even if they might fall
What theme is reflected in Holden avoiding his parents?
A. Romantic relationships
B. Wealth and status
C. Competition between generations
D. Fear of judgment and emotional confrontation
D. Fear of judgment and emotional confrontation
Who is James Castle?
A former classmate of Holden's that committed suicide
Why is Holden’s red hunting hat important?
It symbolizes individuality and protection
What does Holden mean when he says, “Don’t ever tell anybody anything”?
Sharing experiences can make you emotionally attached and vulnerable