Catcher Work.

Pages 1-26 (Chapters 1-3)

Introduction

We are introduced to Holden Caulfield, Pencey School and all the phonies that go there.

What happened to Holden last Christmas? Last Christmas, Holden was kicked out of Pencey Prep for flunking out of four classes. Where is he right now? Holden is still at Pencey Prep, Agerstown, Pennsylvania. He's watching the big football game against Saxon Hall, from Thomsen Hill, next to an old Revolutionary War cannon. Describe Holden's academic history. Holden has gone to four prep schools, including Pencey Prep, Whooton School and Elk Hills. He is failing four subjects and “not applying himself”. His teachers had advised him many times to start applying himself but he never did. Holden is also the fencing team's manager, or was, before he got kicked out. Why is he so bad at school? Holden lacks motivation to do well in school. What is Holden's good memory of Pencey? He remembers a time around October that he and his friends Robert Tichener and Paul Campbell were playing football together in front of the academic hall. They played right up until dinner time when it was getting almost too dark to even see the ball but they just kept playing. Finally though, a biology teacher, Mr. Zambesi, called out the window for them that they better go back to their rooms and get ready for dinner. What happened with the fencing foils? Holden and the fencing team which he managed were on the subway in the morning to New York for a fencing match against McBurney School. Because Holden had t o keep getting up out of his seat to check the map to make sure they got off at the correct stop, he left the fencing equpment on the subway. His team had to forfeit the match and return back to Pencey Prep early. His team completely shut uim out the entire train ride home. This was one of his bad memories, because he hates feeling alone. What is the difference between these two events? The difference between the two events is that the football memory is a happy memory whereas the fencing story was not very happy despite Holden's apparent ability to shrug it off. Holden is happier in general when included and accepted, like most people, and typically feels depressed when he's not. Which event had Holden being a part of a group? The fencing even had Holden being part of a group, but not really a part of the team as much as just someone they feel like they got stuck with. The football scene had Holden as an actual part of the group of friends, being included and accepted. Why did Holden like Selma Thurmer? Holden liked Selma Thurmer because although she wasn't necessarily drop-dead gorgeous or talented or anything, she was still nice and “didn't give you a lot of horse manure about what a great guy her father was”. Holden obviously doesn't like her father, the headmaster, and he finds it refreshing that she doesn't talk him up to be some wonderful person just because she feels obligated to; Holden liked Selma because she's honest. What does he dislike about most of the people at Pencey? Holden doesn't like that the people at Pencey are crooks and phonies. What about Holden bothers Spencer so much? Spencer is bothered that Holden doesn't even care about his future or about how he does in school and doesn't bother to try at all in his classes. What does Holden think of while Spencer is talking? Holden thinks about the lagoon in Central Park South and if it would be frozen and if it was where the ducks would go. Why does Spencer depress Holden? Spencer depresses Holden because he's so old and sick, but also because Spencer talks so much about Holden's future. Spencer is really just trying to help Holden get a grip on his life before it's too late and before he messes his life up because he knows Holden is capable of more than he is currently achieving. But the idea of running out of time and of “before it's too late” scares Holden. In the conversation between Holden and Mr. Spencer, who appears to be comforting whom? How is this ironic? Holden seems to be comforting Spencer in their conversation. It is ironic because Spencer is the one who seemingly had/has his life together and Holden is the one who is failing out of schools and being kicked out. Also, it's ironic because Spencer is older and usually elders comfort the young. Who said "I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot."? Holden said “I'm quite illiterate but I read a lot.” Does Holden have a good view of himself? Holden does and doesn't have a good view of himself at the same time. He seems to realize that he does things like lie and quit and such, and he seems that he's not stupid enough to realize that there's supposed to be more to life than what he has. However, he does contradict himself often, especially when talking about his own characteristics and habits and it's really hard to tell because he's such an unreliable narrator. What is Holden’s opinion of Mr. Ossenburger? On what does he base that opinion? Holden thinks that Ossenburger is a phony too, and that he doesn't mean any of the things he says in his speech and that if he was such a fantastic, religious, generous guy, he wouldn't be so full of himself and such a show-off. He bases everything he says about Ossenburger off the visit he had at Pencey. Describe Ackley. What disgusting things does he do? Ackley is disgusting, lonely, and annoying. He never brushes his teeth or cleans his ears and he cuts his nails all over the place. Describe Holden's hat. Why would anyone want to wear a hat like that? “A red hunting hat with one of those very, very long peaks.” He might have wanted to get it because it's something that might make people notice him and ask him about it since he's always wanting to be asked questions about himself, for the most part. What would he like to do to the authors he likes? Why might this be a dumb thing for J.D. Salinger to put in a book? Holden would love to meet and become excellent friends with all of his favorite authors. It might be dumb for him to include because he is an author and it might be taken as conceited.

Writing

Which does Holden like better: being in crowds or being by himself? Explain.

Holden prefers being in crowds than being alone, only if he feels comfortable, appreciated and included in the group. However, if he isn't then the crowd only makes him feel more lonely and depressed. He often leaves himself out and says that he'd rather be alone because everyone else is phony but really, I think he just is either scared to try to include himself or just simply wants to be asked to be included, and be invited into a crowd.

Pages 26-46 (Chapters 4-6)

Introduction

An old friend drops in on the Pencey campus and Holden starts to spin in trouble.

What was Holden's nervous habit? How are the opening sentences nervous? Holden's nervous habit is putting on his hunting hat as a sort of security blanket. What does he say about Stradlater? Is he complimenting or not? What is he doing? Holden talks about how Stradlater is the kind of guy every other guy wants to be but that really he's not so great. He talks about how Stradlater only cares about sex and booze and is a secret slob. He's not complimenting him, because even if he usually likes Stradlater, he doesn't right now because Stradlater is going on a date with Jane and Holden is jealous. He's trying to make himself feel better by talking about how Stradlater isn't perfect. How is the hunting hat in conflict with the tone he has with Stradlater? The hunting hat is in conflict because he is joking around and trying to act like he's not bothered by their date but really, his hunting hat shows that he is. When did Holden decide to do what Stradlater asked? Why does he do it? Holden decides to write Stradlater's composition for him when Ackley is around because he needs an excuse to get rid of him because he's annoying. How does Coyle relate to the essay? Coyle relates because it doesn't matter if you have the raw fundamentals, like being built well for a sport or knowing you should use commas, it's about talent, which is what makes Coyle good at basketball and Holden good at writing. Why does Holden tap dance? How is that different from Stradlater's whistling? He says he does it because he's bored but I think it's to get Stradlater to laugh because as much as he tries to convince himself that he doesn't really like Stradlater, he does still want Stradlater to like him. Stradlater is whistling for his own entertainment and for the sake of himself because he could care less if Holden is there. Why does he get Stradlater in a half-nelson? How are his actions changing? He puts Stradlater in a half-nelson because Stradlater is putting him down and he wants to fool around to show that he doesn't care what Stradlater has to say, and also because he doesn't know what else to do, not to mention he's kind of angry at Stradlater for saying she's too old for him. He's becoming more physical. When he mentions Jane, how do you know Holden is excited? (Besides that he tells you). Holden begins repeating “I damn near dropped dead.” He usually repeats things when he's excited. Also, he starts going on a story immediately of how he met her. What is written on Allie's mitt? What sort of kid was Allie? Allie had poetry written on his mitt to read when he was bored in the outfield. Holden says more than once how Allie was the nicest kid and very intelligent. Since Holden held onto the mitt and is writing about it, what does that say about Holden? It says that Holden isn't very good at letting go. Is it unbelievable that Holden could have written on the glove himself? Psychologically, why do you suppose wears funny hats, tap dances, plays with the water and does all that weird stuff? I think he does all of that because he's insecure and nervous and not very good with social situations. So he does things like wear hats that will start conversations or dance ridiculously to get a laugh or play with water to distract himself because he doesn't know what else to do. Can you trust Holden as a narrator? No, you can't trust Holden as a narrator because he constantly contradicts himself and even tells the reader that he is really bad with lying all the time. What was Holden's connection to Jane? When did he know her? Holden used to be Jane's next door neighbor. He knew her as a child when she was still innocent. What does he want Stradlater to ask her? Holden asks Stradlater to ask her if she still keeps her kings in the back row. What reasons does Holden give as to why he won't go down and talk to her? Holden says he's not in the mood to go down and talk to her. What bothered him about Stradlater going out with Jane? Holden was bothered by Stradlater going out with Jane because he knew Stradlater only cared about sex and Holden doesn't like the idea of a new, older, no longer innocent version of Jane. Why doesn't he wash his face? Holden doesn't wash off his face because he thinks he looks tough with the blood. Also, he says he thinks Ackley is still awake. He clearly just wants attention and so leaves the blood so that Ackley will ask him what happened and feel bad for him for a little while which is what Holden is hungry for is people who care. Is Stradlater the jerk or is Holden? Explain. I think both of them are jerks except that Stradlater is a much bigger one, especially since Holden is mentally unstable and Stradlater is pretty much mentally a-okay, meaning at least Holden somewhat has an excuse. Also, Stradlater doesn't care about anyone but himself and sees girls as an opportunity for sex and take advantage of Holden all the time.

Writing

Why doesn’t Holden go down and talk to Jane, really?

Holden doesn't go down and talk to Jane because he isn't “in the mood”. However, really, he just is scared to see Jane again and scared that she won't be the way he remembers her when she was a kid. Holden doesn't want to have to deal with the possibility of her losing her innocence as she got older and being someone totally different. He wants to mentally preserve her the way that he loved her.

Pages 46-76 (Chapters 7-10)

Introduction

Holden gets fed up with Pencey and the phonies and lights out for the territories.

Why does he go and wake up Ackley? Holden goes to wake up Ackley so that he will see his face and be worried about him. How come he wants to play Canasta and not talk about what a jerk his roommate is? Holden doesn't really want to talk about Canasta, he wants to talk about what a jerk his roomate is, he just wants to make Ackley ask about it as much as possible and wants to act like it's no big deal. He's trying to get Ackley concerned. What is his plan when he leaves Pencey? Holden decided to leave Pencey early and go to New York and “take it easy” at an inexpensive hotel until Wednesday when he'd go back home. Why does he leave? Holden leaves because he's lonely and depressed at Pencey and can't take it anymore. Is it a good idea for him to leave Pencey? It probably isn't a good idea for him to leave Pencey because although he is unhappy there, he is only sixteen years old and living on your own, even if it's for a few days, isn't easy to do. Who does he meet on the train? He meets Mrs. Morrow, a mother of a student of Pencey Prep, Ernest Morrow. What lies does he tell her? Holden tells Mrs. Morrow that his name is Rudolph Schmidt, that her kid is really great even though he doesn't like him at all, that his bloody nose is due to getting hit with an icy snowball, that he's going home early to get a operation for a brain tumor, that he and his grandma are going to South America together, all of which are lies. Why does he lie to her? Holden lies to her because he is ashamed to admit that he got kicked out of Pencey Prep because I guess he realizes that he isn't living life like he should. What does he want from her? Holden wants her to think he's an intelligent and together young man and he also wants her to feel bad for him, too, which is why he lies about having a brain tumor removed. How old is he trying to appear? Holden always tries to seem older than he is. Since Holden lies so much in this chapter, would you say that he too is a phony? Why/why not? Yes, I would say Holden is a phony on multiple levels. Firstly, he is a phony for being a liar and secondly, he is a phony for hating phonies, since he is one, because he's being hypocritical. What does he ask the driver about? How does the driver respond? Holden asks the driver where the ducks go when they water in the pond freezes over. The driver acts like it's the stupidest question he has ever heard and doesn't answer him. Does this excite him or bum him out? His reply bums Holden out which is shown by the fact that he instantly puts his hat on as soon as he gets out of the cab. Where has this question appeared before? Holden had asked the same question earlier in the book when he was listening to Spencer talk, he asked himself where they went. What does Holden see out the window of his hotel room? Why doesn't he shut the window? Holden sees a man dressing in women's clothing, and in another window saw a man and woman squirting water out their mouths at each other. He doesn't shut the window because he's curious because he is clearly not so great in social situations and likes to watch other peoples'. Is Holden a prude? Yes, Holden is a prude. He only talks about sex and being a “sex maniac”, I think, because thats what everyone else does and he thinks he should be interested in sex all the time, but really he's not. He talks really badly about Stradlater being that way and since it seems like such a passionate dislike of his, to be so sexually-minded, I doubt that he really is. I also don't think he's ever done anything with a girl before. What is the conflict in him? He's conflicted with what's the right thing to do in relation to sex and girls in general, and what he wants to do. Who is Faith Cavendish? How do you suppose she earns money? A girl who some guy brought to a dance a Princeton once. He almost got kicked out for bringing her because she used to be something like a burlesque stripper. She probably earns her money from prostitution. Why does Holden think of her almost at the same time he thinks of Jane? What conflict does this show in Holden? Holden thinks of them both at almost the same time because ever since Stradlater talked about Jane he can't get her out of his mind and how much he was in love with her and how he still is. However, since his relationship, if you'd even say he had one anymore, with Jane is complicated and a touchy subject emotionally for Holden, he thinks of someone who can keep him company who wouldn't be complicated and who he's not emotionally attached to. So, he calls up Faith Cavendish. Who's the only dumb one in the family? Do you believe him? Holden says it is him that is the only dumb one but I don't think he's dumb at all. I think he sees a lot more in the world and in people than most people do. And besides that kind of smart, he's also pretty book smart too, he just doesn't try. If he wasn't so conflicted all the time, he could be just as intelligent as anyone else in his family. What does that say about Holden's self-esteem? Holden has very bad self-esteem, which comes along with depression. What does he like about Phoebe? Holden likes Phoebe's innocence and how she seems to always understand what he means and how he thinks and him in general. What does he order from the waiter? Why do you suppose he doesn't order a beer? He orders a scotch and soda, most likely to get drunk quicker because he's not feeling so great. That, or he wants to seem like he is knowledgable on alcohol so the waiter doesn't question him. Why does he think the other two (from Seattle) are laughing at him? What would be so funny? They were probably laughing at Holden because he's a young kid sitting alone in a lounge of a hotel, drinking a soda...he probably looks pretty lame. Why does he want to dance with them anyway? Holden says it's because he really loves to dance and was really in the mood to do so but I think he really just wants companionship because, again, he feels like it's something he should do as a guy. What very odd thing does he do on the dance floor? Holden kissed the blonde girl he was dancing with on the head. What name does he tell them? What does that name suggest? He tells them his name is Jim Steele. Why does Holden call these girls morons? He calls them morons because they're not good at keeping conversation with him but it's most likely because they're not listening to him because they don't want to talk to him, not because they're dumb. Three girls don't come all the way from Seattle to New York to dance with a socially awkward sixteen year old. Is Holden a snob? Holden can be a snob. When he doesn't see eye to eye with people he immediately says it's something wrong with them. Reading into this, what really is depressing him? I think at the moment, he really just wants to be with a girl who cares about him and what he has to say. He doesn't just want to be with someone for the sake of being with them. And he's really trying to find someone who can care about him, but he's find it difficult. And the girl he knows might actually care about him, he's too afraid to call.

Pages 76-104 (Chapters 11-14)

Introduction

Holden’s New York City Odyssey continues, in search of youth, happiness, and ducks.

What did Jane and Holden do together? What didn't they do together? Jane and Holden did a lot of things together, like play checkers, tennis and golf, but they didn't ever get physical. Why does Holden kiss Jane? Is it a sexual gesture? Why/why not? Holden kisses Jane because she's crying because her drunk of a stepfather came out onto the porch one day when they were playing checkers, and made her cry. It's not a sexual gesture at all, as much as Holden might like us to believe since he says in the beginning of that story, “that afternoon Jane and I came close to necking.” But really, he's just comforting her. What happened in Jane's past that really makes Holden sympathetic? Holden thinnks that maybe her stepfather sexually abused her. Do you suppose more happened to Jane? Explain. Yes, I agree with Holden's suspicion that her stepfather wasn't just an alcoholic but abusive, possibly sexually. Knowing this, how does Stradlater look now? Stradlater looks like a jerk, actually, because Stradlater is so focused on having sex with girls, and the fact that he was probably looking for that out of Jane when she was possibly raped on a regular basis as a child is terrible. What made Holden’s situation worse? Why is the cab so important to Holden now? It was worse now for Holden because the streets were so empty and lonesome. Who does he see and pick out on the street. Why would this hurt Holden particularly? He picks out couples which hurts him because of his troubles with women in general. What's awful about a laugh at night? For Holden, why does it hurt? “You can hear it for miles. It makes you feel so lonesome and depressed.” It probably hurts him because the people who are laughing are happy and with someone they care about who cares about them and he's alone in a cab. What does Holden ask the second Cabby? How does he answer? He asks Horwitz where the ducks go when the pond freezes. Horowitz gets frazzled because he doesn't know the answer and makes up answers. What does he want to know about the Ducks? What connection do the ducks and Holden have? Holden is the ducks. When he asks what happens to the ducks when the pond freezes over, what he really means to say is, what happens to me in the dead of winter when the pond freezes over. What does the Cabby do that makes Holden like him? He actually answers Holden's question or at least tries pretty hard to. Also, when Holden let's the conversation go, Horwitz starts it up again because he cares about it. How are the fish different? The fish have no hope, if the lake really turns into a solid block of ice, because they can't go anywhere but the water. What is the most comforting thing he says? That the fish don't just die in the winter. Why does Holden invite this guy in for drinks? Holden invites him because he not only cares enough to carry on a conversation about ducks and fish even though he doesn't have a clue what he's saying, but he also basically just told him everything would be okay by saying the fish don't die. So Holden likes him because he made him feel a little better. Why is Ernie's phony? Why was he there? Ernie is phony because he is just like before when Holden says about the commas and being built for basketball, that it doesn't matter and it's all about the talent. Well, Ernie has a big mirror in front of him so the entire audience can see his face, but no one can even see his fingers while he plays. What is Lillian like? Why is she a phony? Lillian is a phony because she's being so nice to Holden but really all she cares about is hearing how D.B. is doing. In what way does Lillian Simmons represent the shallowness of society? Lillian demonstrates how people will be nice to get what they want. How does he get back to his hotel? He walks fourty-one blocks. Other than what he tells you, why else might he walk back? He might want to walk because the next driver might not be as good to him as Horwitz was and now he wants to preserve that experience and not ruin it by taking another cab. What does Maurice offer Holden in the elevator? He offers Holden a prostitute. Why does he take the prostitute? Because he was too depressed to think about what he was saying yes to he just wanted to talk. What line, said by Maurice, "forces" him to do it? According to Holden, what happens when he starts fooling around? Why does he keep "stopping"? What does this say about him? What does Holden want to do with the prostitute? What bums him out about her? What makes her laugh? Why won't he pay extra just to get rid of her? Who does Holden imagine he is talking to? Why does he feel depressed? Why does he remember this one incident? What does Maurice want? Why won't Holden give it to him? Why is Holden so nervous? Why does Maurice hit him? (think harder) Is Holden being honest? Is that childlike? What does Holden start pretending happened to him? Why? What does Holden start thinking about when he is in bed? Why doesn't he do that? What hurts him more: the whore or the beating?

Writing

Is Holden getting better or worse? Explain.

Pages 105-122 (Chapters 15-16)

Introduction

After his rude beating, Holden decides he needs to go on a date.

Who does he think of calling? Why would he want to call her? Why doesn't he? Who does he call instead? Why does he call her? What did the two of them used to do? What word does Holden hate? Why? What other words does he hate? What idea unifies all of these words? What's the first thing he notices about the nuns? Is that a snotty thing to notice? Is he being a phony? How do the nuns treat Holden? Why does he like them? Is there any similarity between the Nuns and Mrs. Morrow? What is it? What is the difference between the nuns and the parents he knows (Mrs. Hayes, his Mom, etc)? How much money does he give them? Why is that number odd? Why did it drive him crazy when Mercutio was killed? How is Mercutio similar to Holden? When Holden walks to Central Park, he sees a little kid, where is the little kid walking? Where are his parents? Where does Holden put himself? Why? How does the title figure into this? This is one of the central and most revealing scenes, in the book. What does it show? What record does Holden buy? What age is that record for? Who is that record for? Why does he feel so happy? Who does he want to meet in the park (the Mall, as he calls it)? Who does he talk to? Why does that pump him up so much? What is the "Museum routine" Holden is talking about? What are some of the things he likes about the Museum? Why does he like the Eskimos on the Pond? Complete the quote: "The only thing that would be different would be you. Not that you would be so________________." What does that quote show? Why does he want to go to the Museum? (REALLY) Before he goes to the Museum, he runs into two kids. How do they treat him? How does Holden feel now? Why doesn't he go in? How is his decision not to enter the Museum of Natural History important to the novel?

Writing

Describe the scene where Holden follows the little boy on the curb. Holden knows three types of people: kids, good adults and bad adults. Describe all three groups and give an example. How do Holden’s emotions change as he is on his way to the museum?

Pages 123-141 (Chapters 17-18)

Introduction

Holden goes on his date and winds up even worse than before.

The following selections of text are important to either understanding Holden or some of the other characters. Explain the selections. "You figured most of them would marry dopey guys." "Absolutely marvelous. Am I late?" "I know that boy from somewhere." "It did look pretty cute too. I have to admit it." “I do that quite a lot when I am in a certain mood. I sort of let them burn down till I can't hold them any more, then I drop them." "You're the only reason I'm around, practically." "We'll have oodles of time to do those marvelous things-all those things. I mean after you go to college and all." "The terrible part is that I meant it when I asked her." "You know what that is? That's precision." "She kept telling him to sit still and behave himself." "Allie said Emily Dickinson."

Writing

Holden calls Sally a “pain in the ass” Explain how he’s right.

Pages 141-174 (Chapters 19-22)

Introduction

Holden annoys some more old friends and keeps returning to the Wicker Bar.

What was phony about the Wicker Bar? What unusual thing happens to him at the bar? What does Holden remember Carl talking about all the time? As a result, what does ask him about? Why is Holden asking him this stuff so earnestly? (three possible reasons) Is Carl a Phony? Explain. Is he one of the worst people for Holden to see? Why? Holden says one thing to Carl that is very, very true-from his deepest heart. What is it? Please quote. Holden pretends an odd thing at the bar. What does he pretend? Get psychological. Why? Holden dons his hunting cap as he leaves the bar and goes out into the night. How is this a symbolic gesture? Who does Holden want to call? Who does he call instead? Why does he call her? Why is he getting depressed? Why does he go to the park? What is the lagoon like? How is that similar to Holden's state of mind? What is the most worrisome thing he thinks of in the park? Why doesn't he want Phoebe to go? What does he hate about visiting Allie's grave? Read into that. What does that show you about Holden? What keeps him going? How does Holden feel about Phoebe? Show with a quote: How are Holden and Phoebe similar? What does Phoebe do that thrills Holden? What does Phoebe do with the record? Why is that "perfect"? When Phoebe starts talking, what does Holden worry about? Is that Adult or Child? Explain. What happened on Veteran's Day at Pencey? What depressing thing did the Alumna say? Explain why that is depressing? What does Holden like? Who is James Castle? What happened to him? Why might Holden really like him? What does Holden like?

Writing

What does a Catcher in the Rye do?

Pages 174-193 (Chapters 23-24)

Introduction

Holden returns to the house, but not in the way that he wants. Also, he has to borrow money from his sister.

Who does Holden call? What time does he call him? What did he do for James Castle? What does Holden do when his mother comes home? Is she a phony? Explain. Why does Holden cry in his sister's room? What does he give her in return and what can that gesture be symbolic of? How is he failing at being a "catcher"? What does Antolini tell Holden he is heading for? What might Holden be like in ten years, according to him? What is the quote that Antolini hands him? What cause does Holden hold dear? How true is this quote: "You and Mrs. Antolini really saved my life tonight."? Was what Antolini did a very perverty thing? Is Holden reading him correctly or incorrectly? Look at what Antolini says to him when his wife leaves. Do any of those words sound odd?

Writing

In your own life, do you know anyone who holds true to Antolini’s quote? Explain.

Pages 194-214 (Chapters 25-26)

Introduction

Holden winds to a close with a small, uplifting ending.

What is Holden fixated on? What bothers him with the two workmen and the Christmas tree? What very spooky thing starts to happen to him? What is that a sign of? How is this incident a part of a theme that runs through the entire book? What does Holden plan on doing with the rest of his life? Why do you suppose he wants to be a deaf-mute? What does Holden see written on the wall? Why does that drive him crazy? What does he do to it? Why? Why is the second one he sees even worse? Where is the third one? Holden explains what the "whole trouble" is. What is the trouble? (204) Interpret that? Holden meets two little kids in the Museum of Natural History. How do they act like little kids? What does he explain to the little kids? Where does Holden get his information? What bad things have been happening to Holden? Why have they been happening? What are the rules about Holden's cabin? Knowing what you know about J.D. Salinger, why is this passage ironic? What is Phoebe bringing with her? How does Holden react? What cruel thing does he say to her? What does that say about him? Which is worse for him, when she says "Shut up" or when he does? Explain. Where do Phoebe and Holden go in the park? (This is very symbolic.) Who are the only people who can ride on it? Why doesn't Holden try to ride it? What does Holden want to do when Phoebe is reaching for the gold ring? Why doesn't he do that? What has Holden learned? Why do you suppose he is so happy? What is Holden's final piece of advice? Explain it.