Characters
This character is the novel’s protagonist and narrator, struggling with identity and alienation. (first & last name)
Holden Caulfield
This red accessory represents Holden’s uniqueness and desire for protection.
Red hunting hat
The majority of the novel takes place in this city, where Holden wanders aimlessly.
New York City
Holden hates these type of people because they make him feel more isolated and disconnected from others. These are often adults.
Phonies
Who wrote "The Tell-Tale Heart?" He is known for his dark, gothic style.
Edgar Allen Poe
Holden’s younger sister, she is one of the few people he truly trusts and admires.
Phoebe Caulfield
Holden wonders where these animals go in the winter, symbolizing his own uncertainty about the future.
Ducks in the lagoon
The novel begins at this prep school, where Holden has just been expelled.
Pencey Prep
When Holden talks to the prostitute Sunny, he tells her this, hoping to avoid the situation.
He broke his "clavichord" and he just wants to talk.
In this sentence, "The wind whispered through the trees," the wind is given human qualities. This literary device is known as what?
Personification
Holden’s roommate at Pencey Prep, described as handsome and well-groomed but "phony."
Ward Stradlater
This place, where Holden visits with Phoebe, represents his desire to preserve innocence.
Natural History Museum
Holden tells the story from this location, hinting that he is recovering from a breakdown.
A mental institute/psychiatric facility
Holden visits this former teacher in New York for advice but leaves after feeling uncomfortable by his gesture.
Mr. Antolini
Which time period/era was Shakespeare born in?
The Elizabethan Era (Born 1558-Died 1603).
Holden’s childhood friend whom he wants to call but never does, except once when he's drunk.
Jane Gallagher
Holden misinterprets this Robert Burns poem, believing it means to protect children from falling into adulthood.
"Comin' thro' the Rye"
Holden sneaks into this place to see his little sister, Phoebe. He is disturbed to see profane language written on the walls.
What is Holden's "dream job"? What would he do?
Being a catcher in a field of rye. He catches children as they fall into adulthood. This symbolizes his desire to protect childhood innocence.
What is a figure of speech where two contradictory terms appear next to each other, like "jumbo shrimp"?
Oxymoron
This former Elkton Hills student refused to take back his words after being bullied and tragically jumped out of a window.
James Castle
This ride represents the idea that growing up is inevitable, and Holden ultimately lets Phoebe take part in it.
Carousel Ride
J.D. Salinger published The Catcher in the Rye in this year. (remember post WWII)
1951
What does Holden admit to readers at the very end of the novel?
Holden admits that he misses people and is planning to go home.
Give 2 facts about J.D Salinger (other than he wrote CITR)
He served in WWII, born in New York, CITR is his only published novel, he did not like the limelight, 1919-2010, did not grant interviews since 1980, he did not want CITR turned into a movie, CITR is often considered a "banned book."