The Catcher in the
Rye
By J.D.Salinger
About the book
Although The Catcher in the Rye caused considerable controversy when it was first published in 1951, the book was also an instant hit (it was #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list for thirty weeks in a row). Catcher as ever since remained popular, especially with teenagers who embrace Holden Caulfield’s brash style and anti-establishment attitude.
The book has also been the bane to many parents because of its sexual themes and use of obscene language. J.D. Salinger, the author, was aware of the controversy: “I’m aware that many of my friends are saddened and shocked over some of the chapters in The Catcher in the Rye. Some of my best friends are children. It’s almost unbearable for me to realize that my book will be kept on a shelf out of their reach.”
For some reason-- perhaps the controversy over Catcher-- Salinger retreated from the literary world in the 1960s to a country house in Cornish, New Hampshire, where he lived a private life and avoided almost all press until his death.
About the author
Born in 1919 to a prosperous Manhattan family, Jerome David Salinger grew up in a New York City not unlike that of young Holden Caulfield. Salinger was never a diligent student: after he flunked out of several prep schools, including the prestigious McBurney School, his parents sent him to Valley Forge Military academy in Pennsylvania, from which he graduated in 1936. Many scholars believe that Salinger modeled Pencey Prep, the fictional school Holden attends, after Valley Forge. Salinger briefly attended New York University, where he dropped out after only one month.
It was not until Salinger took a short story course at Colombia University that Salinger launched his literary career. Salinger’s first published piece appeared in Story, a literary magazine founded and published by his professor at Colombia. Salinger quickly became a popular short story writer for other popular magazines, including Saturday Evening Post, Esquire, Good Housekeeping, Cosmopolitan, and New Yorker. These stories are considered lost, as Salinger refused to reprint any of his stories from 1941 to 1948.
Several of Salinger’s short stories are about draftees in World War II and may mirror Salinger’s experience in the war. He served in the Army Signal Corps and the Counter-Intelligence Corps from 1942 to 1945, participating in the Normandy campaign and the liberation of France. Salinger won five battle stars, yet kept writing during the entire war, keeping a typewriter in the back of his army Jeep (like Holden’s brother D.B. does in the novel.
Salinger’s other published works are Nine Stories (1953), Franny and Zooey (1955), Raise High the Roof Beams (1963), and Hapworth 16, 1924 (1997). Salinger had two marriages (ending in divorce) and two children. Salinger died in 2010.
how he grows up to be gentleman
For the birds (p. 2): idiom meaning something is worthless and unimportant
Foil (p. 3): a light fencing sword without cutting edges and a button on its point
Grippe (p. 3): a term for a chronic flu
Anthony Wayne (p. 5): A general for the colonies during the American Revolution. His excitable
personality and ferocity in battle earned him the nickname “Mad Anthony”
t.b. (p. 5): short for tuberculosis, a disease which eventually fills its victim’s lungs with blood, killing
them
Things to think about
Read the first sentence again. Holden says, “If you really want to hear about it…” Who do you think is the person he is talking to? The reader? Another character? What assumptions does he make about this person?
Holden mention his brother D.B.’s stories, and that he likes “The Secret Goldfish” the best. What is “The Secret Goldfish” about? Based on what you know about Holden, why do you think he likes this story?
What does Holden think about Pencey and schools in general? Hint: look at page two when he talks about the Pencey motto.
On page 4, Holden hangs around the cannon on the hill, “trying to feel some kind of goodbye.” Why do you think Holden does this? What does this reveal about Holden?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
Got a bang out of things (p. 6): slang for finding enjoyment
Atlantic Monthly (p. 7): a popular literary magazine published since 1857; now called The Atlantic
Beowulf (p. 10): an ancient Old English poem about the hero Beowulf defeating the monster Grindell
Lord Randal My Son (p. 10): an Old English ballad about a man poisoned by his lover
Chiffonier (p. 11): a tall chest of drawers, often with a mirror on top.
qualm (p. 14): a feeling of doubt; a misgiving
Things to think about
On page 8, both Dr. Thurmer and Mr. Spencer tell Holden life is a game, but Holden disagrees. Why does Holden disagree? If life is a game, what would that imply for Holden?
Holden talks about an irony between his physical body and emotional state on page 9. What is the irony he describes? What do you think Salinger includes this as part of Holden’s character?
The novel is full of contradictions between Holden’s behavior and what he expects of others. What is contradictory or hypocritical about Holden’s anger at Mr. Spencer when he reads Holden’s paper aloud to him? (p. 12)
Another contradiction: Holden says that he flunked out of his former schools, Whooton and Elkton Hills, because they were full of phonies. Yet Holden “shoots the bull” with Mr. Spencer, telling him how sorry he is while think about ducks. How do you think Holden justifies this? How does Holden define “phony”?
At the end of the chapter, Holden says that wishing someone good luck “sounds terrible, when you think about it.” What does he mean? Do you think he’s right?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
red hunting hat: see picture above
rostrum (p. 17): a raised platform on which a person stands to make a public speech
Ring Lardner (p. 18): a short story writer who satirized and criticized popular sports and marriage
Out of Africa (p. 18): 1937 memoir by Isak Dinesen about her tragic life as an African plantation owner
The Return of the Native (p. 18):1878 novel of a young man who loves a girl accused of witchcraft, but
then she marries another man because of wealth and greed. She eventually drowns in a river.
Of Human Bondage (p. 18): 1915 novel by W. Somerset Maugham about his growing up in England,
Germany, and France, and his various affairs with older women and prostitutes
Thomas Hardy (p. 19): British author who wrote The Return of the Native
Eustacia Vye (p. 19): the tragic heroine in The Return of the Native
hound’s-tooth (p.25): a checked pattern with notched corners suggestive
of a canine tooth, typically used in cloth for jackets and suits (see right)
Annex (p. 26): a building addition that houses the co-ed lobby for the dorms at Pencey
Things to think about
Holden reveals his age. How old is Holden? (Hint: look at page 25)
Holden talks for almost all of page 18 about reading and his favorite authors. What kind of books does he like? Why do you think he likes these books? Use the unfamiliar terms box above to help you with this.
Holden and Ackley talk about Holden’s red hunting hat he got in New York for a buck. Why do you think Holden likes it? Why, when Ackley asks Holden what he shoots on page 22, does Holden say, “people?” What does his response show about his character?
Holden clearly doesn’t like Ackley, yet doesn’t tell him to go away. Holden doesn’t want Ackley to trim his nails in the room, yet loans Ackley his scissors. Explain Holden’s contradictory behavior.
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
Chewed the rag (p. 26): talked about nothing important
Ziegfeld Follies (p. 29): a series of elaborate, big-budget theatrical productions on Broadway in New
York City from 1907 through 1931
viselike (p. 30): tight, like in the grip of a metal vise clamp
Vitalis (p. 31): a type of hair cream similar to pomade and mousse
muffler (p. 34): a scarf or wrap worn around the neck and face for warmth
Things to think about
Holden calls Stradlater a slob “in a different way” on page 27. What does he mean? How does this play into the theme of contradictions we’ve seen in the first three chapters?
On page 28, Holden says that Stradlater “wanted you to think that the only reason he was lousy at writing compositions was because he stuck all the commas in the wrong place.” Why do you think Stradlater’s logic gives Holden “a royal pain?” What does it imply about talent?
On page 29, Holden randomly tap dances, and on the next page, he starts wrestling Stradlater when unprovoked. Why do you think Holden acts this way? What does it reveal about him?
What does Jane Gallagher do when playing checkers? Why does this interest Holden?
Stradlater uses Holden’s Vitalis and wears Holden’s jacket even though Holden doesn’t want him to. Holden doesn’t want to write Stradlater’s composition, but will. Why does Holden give in to Stradlater?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
Brown Betty (p. 35): a baked pudding made with apples or other fruit and breadcrumbs
Cary Grant (p. 37): an English actor popular in Hollywood films from 1935-1965; he was the leading
man in Bring Up Baby, The Philadelphia Story, To Catch a Thief, and North by Northwest.
leukemia (p. 38): a type of cancer in which the bone marrow creates abnormal white blood cells; these
cells limit the creation of normal red blood cells, leading to anemia (thin blood) and other symptoms
halitosis (p. 39): offensive breath.
Things to think about
On page 35, Holden claims that Pencey serves steak on Saturday so that when parents come on Sunday, the students can say that they had steak for dinner. Do you think Holden’s right? Based on your experience in school, have you ever felt cynical of a school’s motives for doing something?
In chapter 3, Holden talks about how he cannot stand Ackley, yet Holden insists to Brossman that they invite Ackley to the movie. Why does Holden do this?
What is unique about Allie’s baseball mitt? Based on what Holden says about him, how would you characterize Allie?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
unscrupulous (p. 40): without morals or decency
Give her the time (p. 43): idiom meaning to have sex with a girl
yap (p. 44): slang for mouth
pacifist (p. 46): someone who dislikes fighting and violence
What happens in this chapter?
Things to think about
At the beginning of the chapter, Holden says he couldn’t remember when Stradlater got home because he was worried. What was Holden worried about? Why?
When fighting with Stradlater, Holden calls him a moron several times. What is Holden’s definition of a moron? What is his definition of a phony? What’s the difference?
Holden says on page 43, “In every school I’ve ever gone to, all the athletic bastards stick together.” Yet in chapter 1, we find him shunned by the fencing team because he left the foils on the bus. Do clubs and teams really stick together no matter what? Or is there something Holden doesn’t see?
Think about the last question along with Holden asking Ackley to the movies and then going to Ackley’s room after the fight. What do you think friendship and companionship mean to Holden? Who does Holden consider his friends?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
tiff (p. 47): slang for a fight
Canasta (p. 47): a card game using two decks in which the players try to form sets of cards
Mass (p. 47): The principal religious service of the Catholic Church, held every Sunday and church
holiday; mass includes a scripture service and a Eucharistic service (taking of bread and wine)
monastery (p. 50): a community of monks living under strict vows away from modern culture
Gladstones (p. 51): large travelling bags made of stiff leather
Spaulding’s (p. 52): popular New York City department store in the 1950s.
Things to think about
Holden lies to Ackley about the fight he had with Stradlater. How does this make Holden a “phony”? Is Holden a “phony” in any other way in this chapter?
What is ironic about Holden’s complaints about Ackley being “a perfect host” on page 49?
What religion is Ackley? How does Holden offend Ackley’s religion?
While packing on page 51, Holden comes across a gift from his mother that makes him depressed. What is the gift? Why does seeing the gift make him sad?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
In the sack (p. 53): in bed
conscientious (p. 55): thinking about others
She was lousy with rocks (p. 55): she had a lot of rings with gemstones in them
Vogue (p. 58): a fashion magazine that has been published since 1916; “vogue” means “popular; and
fashionable”
What happens in this chapter?
Things to think about
Why does Holden lie to Mrs. Morrow about himself? Why does he give her a fake name yet tell her about his smoking and using his grey hair to get drinks? How honest is Holden?
Holden doesn’t like Ernest Morrow (“Her son was doubtless the biggest bastard that ever went to Pencey”—p. 54), yet he tells Ernest’s mother lots of outlandish complements about Ernest. Why does Holden do this? Is it for Mrs. Morrow? Is it for his own fun?
Think about the two chapter questions together. In this chapter, Holden plays the part of a “phony.” Why do you think he does this? Is he truly phony? Or does Holden have to be phony to survive in a phony world?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
Penn Station (p. 59): the largest subway and train station in New York City
incognito (p. 60): having one's true identity concealed
highball (p. 62): alcoholic drink consisting of whiskey and soda or ginger ale, served in a tall glass
Princeton College (p. 63): a private research university in New Jersey hosting majors in the sciences
and humanities; it is one of the Ivy League and was founded before the American Revolution
burlesque (p. 63): a variety show, typically including striptease
Things to think about
Holden goes into the phone booth to make a call on page 59, yet doesn’t call anyone. Why does Salinger include this bit? What does this bit reveal about Holden’s personal relationships?
Holden asks the cab driver about where the ducks in Central Park go in winter, the same thing he wondered about while zoning out at Mr. Spencer’s in chapter 2. Why does Holden care about this?
Why does Holden obsess over the “perverts” outside the window and find them “fascinating to watch” (p. 62)? How does this reflect Holden’s personal insecurities?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
Raimu (p. 67): a popular French actor in film in the 1930s and 1940s
The 39 Steps (p. 67): a 1935 film by Alfred Hitchcock of a man who is saved by a female spy
Peter Lorre (p. 71): film actor popular between 1931 and 1960 for his depiction of sinister foreigners
jitterbugging (p. 73): dancing to swing music
Gary Cooper (p. 74): popular film actor who starred in High Noon and Gone with the Wind
Tom Collins (p. 74): alcoholic drink made from gin, lemon juice, sugar, and carbonated water
Radio City Music Hall (p. 75): world renowned theatre in New York’s Rockefeller Center
Chapter 10
What happens in this chapter?
Things to think about
How does Holden describe Phoebe on pages 67 and 68? What are some of Phoebe’s quirks? Why do you think Holden has such a respect for Phoebe?
When Holden is dancing with Bernice on page 71, his opinion of her quickly changes. At first, he compliments her dancing, but at the bottom of the page says she’s “really a moron.” What does Bernice do that upsets Holden and makes him change his opinion of her? Do you think this is fair, or is Holden too quick to judge?
Why does Holden tell the three girls his name is “Jim Steele?” Is there any purpose to his lying?
On page 75, Holden talks about something making him “so depressed he can’t stand it.” What makes him so depressed? Why?
Unfamiliar terms in chapter
Doberman pinscher (p. 76): medium breed of dog with a glossy black and tan coat
Cape Cod (p. 77): a peninsula in southeastern Massachusetts where wealthy people live
LaSalle (p. 78): a luxury convertible made by GMC from 1925 to 1940
glider (p. 79): porch swing
get wise (p. 79): make a sexual advance towards
Greenwich Village (p. 80): a district of New York City on the lower West Side of Manhattan known for
its artist communities
Things to think about
Why do you think Jane is the only person outside the family Holden has shown Allie’s baseball mitt?
Why do you think Jane cried after Mr. Cudahy interrupts her checker game with Holden on page 78?
When Holden is kissing Jane on page 79, he says that he kissed her all over but “she wouldn’t let me get to her mouth.” Later on the page, he talks about how he and Jane held hands all the time at the movies. Why does Jane act hot then cold toward Holden? How do you think Jane feels about him?
In chapter 4, Holden keeps bugging Stradlater to ask Jane if she still keeps her kings in the back row. Knowing more about Jane from this chapter, why do you think she keeps her kings in the back row?
