Characters
This character is the protagonist and narrator of The Catcher in the Rye.
Who is Holden Caulfield?
Holden frequently worries about preserving this quality of children, which he associates with innocence.
What is purity?
Holden’s fascination with ducks in the Central Park lagoon represents this concept.
What is change or impermanence?
At the start of the novel, Holden has just been expelled from this prestigious school.
What is Pencey Prep?
Holden feels an intense connection to this family member who passed away at a young age.
Who is Allie Caulfield?
Holden's younger sister, who he describes as intelligent and perceptive, is named this.
Who is Phoebe Caulfield?
The "catcher in the rye" symbolizes Holden's desire to save children from this.
What is losing their innocence?
The carousel at the end of the novel symbolizes Holden’s acceptance of this aspect of life.
What is growing up?
Holden visits this New York City museum, which he appreciates for its unchanging exhibits.
What is the Museum of Natural History?
Holden hires this type of professional in a misguided attempt to cope with his loneliness.
What is a prostitute?
This teacher, one of Holden's former mentors, tries to give him advice during his visit.
Who is Mr. Antolini?
Throughout the novel, Holden struggles with feelings of isolation and this mental state.
What is depression?
The "catcher in the rye" is inspired by a misheard line from a poem by this author.
Who is Robert Burns?
Holden sneaks into his family's apartment to visit this person.
Who is Phoebe Caulfield?
Holden shares a brief and awkward encounter with this former schoolmate.
Who is Carl Luce?
This character is Holden's older brother, who works as a screenwriter in Hollywood.
Who is D.B. Caulfield?
Holden despises this trait in adults, often describing them as "phony."
What is insincerity?
Holden associates the nuns’ simple and kind demeanor with this quality.
What is selflessness?
This Central Park attraction fascinates Holden, as he wonders where the animals go during winter.
What is the lagoon?
This character is one of Holden’s former roommates at Pencey Prep, with whom he has a physical fight.
Who is Stradlater?
This girl, whom Holden dates and has a complicated relationship with, is known for her independent spirit.
Who is Sally Hayes?
Holden's red hunting hat is a symbol of this.
What is individuality?
The broken record Holden buys for Phoebe is a symbol of his feelings of this.
What is failure or loss?
This upscale New York hotel is where Holden stays during part of the novel.
What is the Edmont Hotel?
This cab driver engages Holden in a conversation about the ducks in Central Park.
Who is Horwitz?