Catcher in The Rye

Chapters 23 - 26

Chapter 24

Holden visits Mr AntoliniThey have a long conversation - about?Holden comments on Mr Antolini’s drinking several times – Why?Makes his actions / conversation seem less reliableIdentify the similarities between this conversation and the one with Mr SpencerMr Antolini is concerned for Holden and his futureIs a family friend Evidence– refers to lunch with his fatherHe asks him about why he has been thrown out

Chapter 24Holden ‘tunes out’ is polite but thinking about other things during conversation – Evidence?Mr Antolini writes down the quote for Holden ‘The mark of an immature man is that he wants to die nobly for a cause, while the mark of a mature man is that he wants to live humbly for one.’Can you identify the significance of this quote? – think back to Holden’s conversation with PhoebeRemember his story of James Castle?What did you decide that Holden admired about him?

Chapter 24

Holden shows more physical signs of being unwell – list themFeeling dizzyHeadacheStomach –acheCouldn’t concentratetired

Mr Antolini makes up a bed for Holden on the sofaHolden wakes to find Mr Antolini touching his hair / patting him on the head and freaks, leaving the flatConsider the two ways Mr Antolini’s actions could be interpretedWhich side do you believe?How does this affect Holden?

Chapter 25

Holden feels really ill physically

Begins to wonder if he misinterpreted Mr Antolini’s actions

Goes to Grand Central to sleep in waiting room

Goes for breakfast but can’t eat

Surrounded by ‘Christmas’ –What effect does this have on Holden?

Chapter 25

Walking up ‘Fifth Avenue’ Holden starts to have a breakdown

Find evidence to show this (pg 178)

Quote to show he feels he is disappearingQuote to show speaking to AllieThink about why he is speaking to AllieDecides to leave town, move ‘out west’ but to go give Phoebe her money back firstWhen did Holden decide this previously?What do these ideas signify?His need to escape – he runs frequently in the novel – identify other instances of this

Chapter 25

Holden decides to go to Phoebe’s school – leaves a note to meet her at the museumIs sweating / feels like he’s going to be sick /See graffiti on the wall – How does this affect him?Why?The part of him that wants to protect the young and innocentHolden goes into the museum, but doesn’t find peace – only more graffiti / passes outPhoebe meets him with a suitcase

Chapter 25

What does this make Holden realise?Why?Phoebe walks off, refusing to talk to HoldenHe goes to the zoo confident she’ll followHe offers to pay for her to have a ride on the carousel‘The thing with kids is, if they want to grab for the gold ring, you have to let them do it, and not say anything. If they fall off, they fall off, but it’s bad if you say anything to them.’ (pg 190)What is the significance of references to ‘the ring’ and the carousel? (the ring is the circle in the middle of the carousel)What is Holden showing that he has realised at this point?

Chapter 25

The idea that he can protect everyone, that kids can be protected from every knock / growing up is unrealistic

What is the significance of Phoebe giving Holden his hunting hat back?

How does Holden feel at this moment?

Why do you think he feels this way?

Chapter 26

Holden tells us he has told us all he wants to He is back where we met him, in his hospitalHow does Holden respond to going back to school?What does this tell us about him?He’s not really well / dealt with his emotions / learnt to deal with things differentlyStill not allowing himself to feel positive emotions, but doesn’t hate