Catcher in the Rye Chapters

Chapter 20 Holden stays in the ‘Wicker Bar’ after Carl Luce has left He gets very drunk Considers phoning Jane – but phones Sally to apologise (she is a substitute for who he really wants to talk to) He decides to visit the park ‘I figured I’d go by the park and see what the hell the ducks were doing.’ He’s feeling really depressed and freezing (due to soaking his head)

Chapter 20 He drops Phoebe's record – it smashes What do you think this signifies? Could relate to how broken Holden is feeling inside Also he says about being in the park ‘Boy, was it dark.’ Could this link to the comment above? Holden doesn’t find any ducks He has the following to say about the pond: ‘it was partly frozen and partly not frozen. But I didn’t see any ducks around.’

Chapter 20 What is the significance of this scene? Holden goes from thinking about ducks disappearing and the pond being half frozen – to imagining his own death - onto Allie’s grave / death Can you see a connection with these topics and the ducks? You could argue that Holden sees death as a disappearance – when a person dies they disappear – as the ducks do every winter You could argue they symbolise resurrection as they always return, but it’s the middle of winter at this point and no sign that Holden is going to recover.

Chapter 22 Holden goes home to visit Phoebe He sneaks in, lying to the new doorman about who he is He watches her or a while, this seems to make him happy – Quote and reads her notebook He wakes Phoebe and discovers his parents are out She starts to tell him her news, but quickly realises Holden has been kicked out of another school ‘Daddy’ll kill you.’ She hides under the covers and refuses to respond to him for a while

Chapter 22 What does Phoebe's reaction tell you about their relationship? Find evidence to support your points Holden tries to justify his behaviour by explaining about phonies Phoebe very astutely observes that ‘You don’t like anything that’s happening.’ and asks him to tell her something he likes Holden thinks about / tells the reader about James Castle What does Holden admire about James? His integrity

Chapter 22 He can only think of Allie Phoebe refuses to accept this and asks him about the future, what he’d like to be Holden describes how he sees adult life What does this tell us about Holden and his perception of adults? Holden then speaks about his dream of being ‘the catcher in the rye.’ Explain what Holden would like to do Phoebe corrects Holden’s understanding of the words – What does this mistake signify? The chapter ends with Holden going to phone Mr Antollin

Chapter 23 Phoebe turns on the radio, Holden asks her to dance This is a really sweet moment that shows Holden momentarily forgetting about all his worries (only my opinion!) Holden hides as his parents arrive home Phoebe covers for him Holden is suddenly desperate to leave He’s obviously not ready to face his parents Phoebe gives him money – this makes Holden break down and cry – Why? The idea that she’s showing that she cares for him, is trying to help him out – shows a maturity beyond her years

Chapter 23 Holden leaves giving his red hunting hat to Phoebe Why does he do this? What does it symbolise? Holden sneaking out the back stair and falling over echoes an earlier departure – Can you think what it is? And why? The idea of Holden running, trying to escape – cannot escape himself!