“The Catcher In The Rye”

Chapter 1 Setting -> Holden Caulfield writes his story from a rest home where he has been sent for therapy. Family -> refuses to talk about his family in any detail. “David Copperfield kind of crap.” – Does refer to his brother (DB a writer, who instead of writing serious literature has been seduced by the fame and allure of Hollywood and the movies.) Time & Sequence Holden begins to tell the story of his breakdown, beginning with his departure from Pencey Prep. (A famous school he attended in Agerstown, Pennsylvania.) Key themes – Distance / clash between the individual and social structures. Holden refused to apply himself at school, passing only English. Before Christmas Vacation, he stands on Thomsen Hill watching the football team. He has no interest in the match. He is full of contempt of the school, but wants to say “goodbye” to it. He wishes to say goodbye to his old History Teacher. Discussion Points – Find other examples in this chapter which demonstrate Holden’s distance and lack of engagement with others.

What do you notice about Holden’s voice & opinions of others?

“Life is a game, boy. Life is a game that one plays according to the rules.” Mr Spencer / Holden Consider this meeting & how your views towards Holden are developing at this stage. What key ideas are emerging in Chapter 2? Consider chapters 1 + 2 – is Holden a reliable narrator? Are there any indications his situation is different than how he describes it?