Catcher in the Rye
Chapters 1-3
Discussion Questions

1. Who is telling the story? What are your impressions of the narrator? Would he be a friend of yours? Holden Caufield maybe because he seems rebellious and open

2. How much time has passed since the events in the story? What do you think is Holden’s purpose in telling the story? 7 months has passed and to make sense of everything that has happened

3. What is Pency Prep like? Why is Holden leaving? How does he feel about leaving? It is a formal prestigious private school, because he failed classes and everybody there hates him and a little bit sad

4. Why does Holden go to see Mr. Spencer? Why does he regret the visit? To say goodbye to him and Pency and he regrets it
Where do you think the ducks go? What other evidence have you seen in the story that
Holden doesn’t like change? Look for such evidence as you read the rest of the story. That they are moving on and going somewhere else and probably to warmer place

2. Why doesn’t Holden have a good time at Ernie’s? Would you enjoy such a place like that? Doesn’t like the phoniness and fakeness of everyone and maybe

3. Why does Holden start thinking about what a coward he is? Do you think he is a coward? What would you do if you found out who had stolen your gloves? Because of his gloves and how he didn’t get them back, a little bit yes and go get them back

4. Holden talks about his “terrific capacity” for holding liquor. From what you have seen of him so far, do you think he has a drinking problem? . How does Holden end up with a prostitute in his room? Yes I think he is a depressed alcoholic

6. Why do you think he pays the prostitute and has her leave without “rendering services”? because he just wanted someone to talk to

7. How does Holden get beaten up? What do you think would have happened if he had pressed charges against Maurice? Why doesn’t he? Because he doesn’t pay 10 dollars to the prostitute

8. How would you have handled the situation if Maurice demanded money from you? Do you think Holden is a coward? Smack him up and nope

9. Holden tells us his daydreams about shooting Maurice after