The Catcher in the Rye

J.D. Salinger

Chapter One

 

This is a first-person narrative that is directly addressing the audience. Pay attention between the narrator is not only talking to us [the reader], he is also talking to someone within the book. $$$ What is the time period if a Jaguar cost around $4000? Nice car! This is another clue. Do you know where he is yet? Where might he be? This is the second time the narrator has referred to 'you.' Who is the you? David Copperfield is a book by Charles Dickens about a boy who had a truly terrible childhood.

 

This is a story about innocence and the authenticity of childhood. These ideas will become a major theme in the novel. flu excluded Holden wasn't planning on going to the game because he expected to be at a fencing match. Establishes Holden as careless and irresponsible, but also human. Have you ever left anything important on the subway? Establishes Holden as careless and irresponsible, but also human. Have you ever left anything important on the subway? Fencing is a sport where two opponents face off with long, thin sword-like instruments. Pads worn inside a woman's bra to make her breasts look bigger. Here Holden is emphasizing that while Selma wanted to look attractive, she only managed to look pathetic. This is part of why Holden likes her. Establishes Holden's tendency to isolate himself. Why might he do this? What does this line suggest that Holden feels about the game? Was it a big deal to him? Does he understand why it was a big deal for other people? What does this line suggest that Holden feels about the game? Was it a big deal to him? Does he understand why it was a big deal for other people? What might the term 'birds' be slang for? Look at how it is used here. What does this suggest about the school's reputation? Pency Prep is an expensive all-boys boarding school. What can you learn about Holden and his family if his parents sent him to a private high school in a different state? This is a clue. Begin to gather facts about Holden. You are trying to discover what kind of person he is. Why might someone hate the movies? What does that suggest about them? What does Holden mean when he calls D.B. a 'prostitue?' [Hint: He doesn't mean the term sexually] What is D.B. doing in Hollywood?

The weather mirrors Holden's mood. Hmmm... sounds like an important line. What kind of emotional state do you think Holden is in? He's just been kicked out of a school that he didn't really like, ostracized from the fencing team for being irresponsible, and now he feels like he's disappearing. Why do you think Holden goes to say good-bye to his teacher, Old Spencer, on this freezing cold December day? What does that suggest about the kind of person that Holden is? Why might someone who has money steal? Why might someone who has money steal? What are some of the reasons why high school students do not apply themselves? What are some of the reasons why high school students do not apply themselves?

Does Holden demonstrate much self-esteem and confidence here? Does Holden demonstrate much self-esteem and confidence here?