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Ch 1-4
Chapter 5-9
Chapter 10-13
Vocabulary
Themes
100
Who is Holden Caufield? Give two facts about him.
Holden is a 16 year old former student at a Prep School in Pennsylvania. He narrates the story from a rest home in California.
100
What did Holden write Stradlater's composition about?
About his dead brother Allie's baseball mitt.
100
Who is Phoebe?
Phoebe is Holden's sister.
100
How likely is it that a person who has been ostracized is asked to go out with friends?
Unlikely
100
What do we learn about Holden from his story about his gloves being stolen at Pencey?
We learn that he is a coward.
200
At the start of the novel, why is Holden watching the big football game from a far?
He has just returned from a failed fencing tournament in New York and is trying to remember something good about Pencey because he has been expelled for failing grades.
200
What happened to the composition Holden wrote for Stradlater?
Stradlater told Holden the topic was stupid, so Holden ripped it up.
200
Who are Bernice, Marty, and Laverne and how do they treat Holden?
Three girls that Holden meets in the Lavender Room bar at the hotel. They treat him like a little kid and do not take him seriously.
200
Give an example of something compulsory.
Paying taxes.
200
How does Holden view his siblings? How does this compare to how he views himself?
Holden sees them as smart and capable, unlike himself.
300
Identify each of the following characters: Robert Ackley, Stradlater, and Jane Gallagher.
Ackley: Holden's neighbor in the dorms. He has a pimply face and does gross things that annoy Holden, like cut his fingernails on Holden's bed. Stradlater: Holden's sexy but cocky roommate. Jane: A girl that used to live next door to Holden. She goes on a date with Stradlater and Holden gets very jealous.
300
What do Stradlater and Holden REALLY fight about? Hint: Think about why Holden is really mad at Stradlater. . .
Holden is jealous about his date with Jane.
300
What was Ernies and why did Holden leave there abruptly?
Ernies is a night club in New York City. Holden left abruptly because he ran into his brother DB's ex girlfriend.
300
Does an unscrupulous person behave in crude ways?
Yes. An unprincipled person behaves rudely.
300
Give one example of someone Holden criticizes for being phony.
Answers subject to teacher discretion
400
What was the "dirty trick" that Holden's old History teacher played on him? Why?
He read Holden's exam answer back to him outloud, along with the note Holden wrote and attached to his test. He wants Holden to realize what little effort he has put into everything.
400
What was Holden's goodbye to Pencey as he is leaving for New York?
He yells, "Sleep tight, ya morons!"
400
Describe Holden's relationship with Jane Gallagher.
They are good friends and they used to play checkers together. They kissed once, but never really dated or fooled around.
400
What do you call someone who likes to show off for an audience?
An exhibitionist.
400
Would you describe Holden as mature? Why or why not?
Answers subject to teacher approval.
500
Why doesn't Holden go to see Jane?
Because he "wasn't in the mood".
500
Who is Ms. Morrow and why does Holden lie to her?
Ms. Morrow is the mother of one of Holden's classmates. He lies to her because he wants her to feel proud of her soon, even though Holden thinks he is a real jerk.
500
What is the "big mess" Holden gets into back at the hotel after leaving Ernie's?
He orders a prostitute and then decides he just wants to "talk" to her. She tried to charge him more than they agreed on, but Holden refuses to pay extra.
500
Would a lavish party serve putrid food?
No, a very fancy party would not serve rotten food.
500
Give one example that suggests "innocence" as a theme.
Various examples.