Chapters 5-8 Study Questions

Use the following questions to help guide your reading of these chapters.

Chapters 5 – 8

12. Why does Holden enjoy the snowball fight?

13. What is the importance of his composition about Allie?

14. What is the significance of Holden breaking his hand?

15. Why does Holden fight Stradlater?

16. Why is Holden so lonely at Pencey?

17. In what condition does Holden leave Pencey?  What are his final words to his school?  What do these words indicate?

18. Why does Holden give a false name to Mrs. Morrow?

19. Why does he lie about Ernest Morrow?  Why does he like Mrs. Morrow?

20. What is the significance of the brain surgery story?

In these chapters, we get a glimpse of some of the people Holden does like in his life.  Consider what qualities these individuals have that Holden likes so much.  

Catcher in the Rye Reading Questions Ch 1-4

Use the following questions to help guide your reading. You do not need to write out answers to every question, but you should consider answers to each.

Chapters 1 – 4

1. Why does the book begin with the words, “If you want to know the truth . . .”?

2. Why has Holden “forgotten” to mention his dismissal from Pencey?

3. What is Holden's attitude toward Pencey?

4. What do we learn about Holden from his exam paper?

5. How does Holden characterize himself?

6. How does Holden feel about Mr. Spencer? How can you tell?

7. What does Holden find so depressing about his talk with Mr. Spencer?

8. How does Mr. Spencer feel about Holden?

9. What is the importance of Holden's new hat?

10. What is Holden's attitude toward Ackley?

11. How is Stradlater characterized?