1. Catcher In The Rye
Chapters 4-7

2. Chapter 4
Stradlater asks Holden to write an essay for him as he has a date
Holden knows the girl – Jane Gallagher
We find out they were neighbours /friends the previous summer
Holden reminiscences but won’t go down and say ‘hi’
Tells us he feels nervous – ref to hat pg 29
Ackley comes in, Holden tells us he is glad
Why?

3. Chapter 5 Holden writes Stradlater’s essay
We learn about the death of his brother Allie
How can we see Holden in a different light at this point?
Caring
Deeply affected by his brother’s death
Not being sarcastic / caustic
How does he respond to Allie’s death? Pg 34
Returns to type when discussing Ackley at end of chapter

4. Chapter 6 Stradlater returns Is unhappy with essay – Holden rips it up
Gets into fight over Jane
What is this behaviour showing us about Holden?
Cares more than he shows
Probably upset from thinking about Allie
Definitely worried over Jane’s honour and innocence
Wants to protect Jane

5. Chapter 6 Pg 40 puts on hat after fight Why? Symbol of how he feels
Rebellious
Makes him feel more confident
Contradiction between maturity and childlike qualities
Goes to visit Ackley - who he has just been telling us all his faults – Why?
Suggest Ackley closes person to a friend he has
Hoping for support / sympathy

6. Chapter 7 Tries to engage Ackley in conversation
Refuses to tell him what the fight was about
Worries over events between Stradlater and Jane
Decides to leave Why?
Doesn’t want to deal with emotions regarding Jane and Stradlater ‘my nerves were shot.’/ being expelled

7. Chapter 7 Think about how Holden behaves as he leaves
Is this the mature or childlike Holden? Why does he do this?
Bravado?
No real friends to say goodbye to?
Genuinely doesn’t care?
To hide his real emotion?

8. Chapter 7 Ref to hat pg 46 Why? What do you think it gives him?
Confidence?
Bravery?
A symbol of defiance against authority / phonies?
Anything else?