Catcher in the Rye: Chapter 1-3, Reading and Study Guide

I. Vocabulary: Be able to define the following words and understand them when they appear in the novel.

Hemorrhage a copious discharge of blood from the blood vessels
Part of speech noun (also verb)

Grippe
Part of speech

Sadist
Part of speech

Falsetto
Part of speech

Qualms
Part of speech

Pacifist
Part of speech

Compulsory
Part of speech

Foils
Part of speech

Gore
Part of speech

Innumerable
Part of speech

Exhibitionist
Part of speech

Unscrupulous
Part of speech

Crude
Part of speech

Rostrum
Part of speech
II. Literary Elements, and Exposition:

Symbol
example

Allusions
example

Setting for this story
Conflicts 1. vs.
2. vs.
3. vs.
Infer
What can you infer about Holden thus far?
From what point of view is the story told?

III. Questions: Answer in complete sentences with correct punctuation.

Chapter 1
1. What does Holden mean when he says that his brother D.B is out in Hollywood being
a prostitute?


2. Where is Holden when the story begins?


3. What is Pency Prep, and why does Holden dislike it?


4. What happened in New York with the fencing team, and who was responsible?


5. Why was Holden preparing to leave Pency Prep?


6. In what kind of health does Holden appear to be?


Chapter 2
1. Who is Mr. Spencer?


2. Why does Holden visit with Mr. Spencer?


3. What does Mr. Spencer do that particularly annoyed Holden?


4. What can you infer about Holdens character through his note to Mr. Spencer?


5. What reason does Holden give us as the reason for leaving Elkton Hills?


6. What is he wondering about in terms of the ducks?


Chapter 3
1. What is meant by Im quite illiterate, but I read a lot?
a. Give examples of what Holden reads.



2. Who is Ackley?
a. Describe Ackleys.



3. What does Ackley do that annoys Holden?



IV. Think about it. . .

1. Why do you think Holden is concerned about the ducks during the winter?




2. Dialectical Journal
Holden is critical of many things and often uses the word phony to express his
criticism. Quote: Who/what does Holden consider to be phony?
Analysis: Why does he dislike them for being phony?
Quote
Pencey Prep advertises to produce
splendid, clear-thinking young men
(2).





Analysis
Due to the fact that Holden does not find
the boys at Pencey Prep to be splendid
or clear-thinking, he concludes the
advertisement is a lie. Holden classifies
this false advertisement or lie as being
phony because it does not give an
accurate description of the school.