1. Catcher in the Rye
Class Discussion

2. CH 1-3 Discussion
“What I was really hanging around for, I was trying to feel some kind of good-by. I mean I’ve left schools and places I didn’t even know I was leaving them. I hate that. I don’t care if it’s a sad good-by or a bad good-by, but when I leave a place I like to know I’m leaving it. If you don’t you feel even worse” (Salinger 4).
What does Holden mean by this statement?
Do you agree with Holden’s sentiments? Explain.
Points of Discussion
Initial impressions of Holden
Holden feels like he’s “sort of disappearing” (5)
Spencer and Thurmer’s advice for Holden: “Life is a game” (8)
The Central Park ducks (emerging symbol/motif)
Holden’s red hunting hat (emerging symbol/motif)

3. CH 4-6 Discussion Stradlater the “secret slob” (31)
In chapter 5, Holden writes Stradlater’s composition about his brother, Allie’s baseball mitt.
Why does Holden choose this object to write about (the real reason, not necessarily the reason he gives)?
What would you write about if you were in Holden’s position (and mindset)?
Points of Discussion
Stradlater the “secret slob” (31)
Allie’s death (and Holden’s reaction)
Allie’s baseball mitt (emerging symbol/motif)
Holden’s fight with Stradlater (Holden as a pacifist??)

4. CH 7-11 Discussion
“The first thing I did when I got off at Penn Station, I went into this phone booth. I felt like giving somebody a buzz. I left my bags right outside the booth so that I could watch them, but as soon as I was inside, I couldn’t think of anybody to call up” (Salinger 59).
Why does Holden end up “not calling anybody” (59)?
Holden wants to escape to a monastery
Holden’s lies to Mrs. Morrow
Holden’s opinions on sex and relationships
The two females Holden seems to respect
Points of Discussion

5. CH Discussion
“What I really felt like, though, was committing suicide. I felt like jumping out the window. I probably would’ve done it, too, if I’d been sure somebody’d cover me up as soon as I landed. I didn’t want a bunch of stupid rubbernecks looking at me when I was all gory” (104).
What has made Holden drop so deep into this depression?
What does it say about Holden that he doesn’t “want a bunch of stupid rubbernecks looking at [him] when [he] was all gory” (104)?
Holden as a “yellow guy” (88)
Holden’s “big mess”
Holden’s fight with Maurice (and the aftermath)
Points of Discussion

6. CH Discussion
Holden states (of Natural History Museum), “The best thing, though, in that museum, was that everything always stayed right where it was.” (121)
What does Holden mean by this?
What are some of the things that Holden would like to place in glass cases in order to preserve their nature?
Points of Discussion
Holden’s suitcase discussion
The young boy on Broadway
Holden’s date with Sally

7. CH 18-20 Discussion Points of Discussion
Write a response to the following: “I’m sort of glad they’ve got the atomic bomb invented. If there’s another war, I’m going to sit right the hell on top of it. I’ll volunteer for it, I swear to God I will.” (141)
Analyze the following: “Boy, when you’re dead, they really fix you up. I hope to hell when I do die somebody has the sense enough to just dump me in the river or something. Anything except sticking me in a goddam cemetery. People coming and putting a bunch of flowers on your stomach on Sunday, and all that crap. Who wants flowers when you’re dead? Nobody.” (155)
Points of Discussion
Holden’s conversation with Carl Luce
Holden’s “gangster movie” fantasies
Holden’s breaking point

8. CH Discussion
“Then I took my hunting hat out of my coat pocket and gave it to [Phoebe]... She didn’t want to take it, but I made her. I’ll bet she slept with it on. She really likes those kind of hats.” (180)
What does this gesture demonstrate about the relationship shared between Holden and Phoebe?
Points of Discussion
How do we see Holden in Phoebe
Holden as a catcher in the rye
Phoebe’s generous gesture (and Holden’s response)

9. CH 24-26 Discussion Chapters 25-26
The notorious final lines of the novel are: “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.” (214)
Explain what Holden means.
Name at least one “Ackley” you will miss one day. What is it about this person that you hate now? How may this hatred transpire into longing?
Mr. Antolini…
Holden disappearing
Erasing all the “Fuck Yous” of the world
The Carousel and the gold ring