A Penny for Your Thoughts

ALLIE Reread the section concerning Allie’s death Holden’s parents were going to have him psychoanalyzed when Allie died. In your opinion, did he need therapy? Was Holden’s reaction to his brother’s death extreme? At this point (it’s still early in the novel) is there evidence that he has successfully dealt with the loss of his brother? (OR not?)

RED HUNTING HAT The hat is back in these chapters At this point, note when he has put in on, and how he is feeling... Is there a correlation? What might it symbolize? There is more than one possibility.

Jane Gallagher Yesterday we discussed Holden’s interest in Jane. Make a connection to his fight with Stradlater, playing checkers with Jane and maybe even the red hunting hat

Holden’s mental state To support the argument that Holden is still struggling with the loss of his brother and is indeed in need of therapy, note his frequent references to DEATH. Cite at least THREE instances in which he alludes to death in general:

Red Hunting Hat Yesterday we discussed the different ideas the hat might symbolize. Draw a red hunting hat Then choose TWO concepts that it symbolizes, write them out, and find two quotes as evidence to support the symbolism

Holden’s Voice Holden has a very unique voice that can be recognized in all of literature. Answer the following questions: Why is his vernacular so important in figuring out/developing his personality? How would the novel be different if Holden spoke properly? Choose ONE quote that would lose its importance/impact if were not in Holden’ unique voice.

Ch. 7 and Ch. 8 Choose the most significant quotes from each chapter. I suggest choosing something connected to the larger ideas we’ve already been discussing. Write out the quote and the page number, then write the significance and connection to a larger thematic idea

Chapters 9 and 10 – Holden’s Sexuality, Phoebe In chapter nine, Holden reveals his views on women and sex. Is he mature or immature when he talks about girls on the bottom of page 62? Support with a quote and explain. Discuss his comments on the “perverts” he watches through the window of the hotel, his call to Faith Cavendish, and his thoughts on Jane Gallagher.

Chapter 10 – The Lavender Room In this chapter more is revealed about Holden’s sexuality, views on women and respect or lack of it for members of the opposite sex. Pick three quotes that reflect Holden’s attitude toward the above mentioned issues. What is your opinion of the way he treats the young women at the Lavender Room? Why do they annoy him so much? Why do girls “drive you crazy”?

Chapter 10 - Phoebe Phoebe, Holden’s little sister, is introduced in detail in this chapter. List her physical traits, personality traits, and most importantly, Holden’s relationship with her. What is it about Phoebe that Holden is so fond of?

Chapter 11 – Jane Gallagher BEST evidence that Holden “got to know her quite intimately” (76). BEST evidence that Holden wants to protect Jane. BEST evidence that she represents innocence.

Chapter 12 – Ernie’s Can we rely on Holden as our narrator? He says, “I was surrounded by jerks”(85). Evidence? The ducks come up again... Any insight from the cab driver this time?

Chapter 13 - Sunny Remember, right before Holden is approached by Maurice, he says again, “I almost wished I was dead”(90). Before Sunny comes in, find evidence of Holden’s respect for girls AND his conflict of being lost between adulthood and childhood – pages While Sunny is in the room, what is so depressing for Holden?

Chapter 14 - Maurice BEST evidence of Holden being lost between childhood and adulthood BEST evidence of Holden’s declining mental state

Chapter 15 – Sally Hayes, suitcases, nuns Are we seeing some faults in Holden here? Why does he bother calling Sally when he really wants to call Jane? What’s the deal with the suitcases? ( ) Is Holden an adult or a child when talking to the nuns? Evidence? Do you notice a word that is missing in his description of them? Wonder why?

Chapter 16 What is the “one nice thing” that makes Holden “feel better … not so depressed any more”(115)? Why might that scene help him? Why does Salinger include the scene with the little girl and Holden helping with her skates? (119) Why does Holden like the Museum of Natural History? (121) Holden puts the red hunting hat back on while he’s walking to the museum. Consider what he’s thinking about (122). What might the hat symbolize now?

Chapter 17 “I swear to God I’m a madman” Explain Holden’s interaction with Sally Hayes. Why does he treat her the way he does? Why does he want to run away to the woods? (sound like anyone we studied?) What do we learn about Holden from the scene with Sally (at least 3-4 sentences) Find an example of Holden potentially being a hypocrite. (quote)