Catcher In The Rye

Chapters 4-7

Chapter 4

Stradlater asks Holden to write an essay for him as he has a dateHolden knows the girl – Jane Gallagher We find out they were neighbours /friends the previous summerHolden 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 gladWhy?

Chapter 5

Holden writes Stradlater’s essayWe learn about the death of his brother AllieHow can we see Holden in a different light at this point?CaringDeeply affected by his brother’s deathNot being sarcastic / causticHow does he respond to Allie’s death? Pg 34

Returns to type when discussing Ackley at end of chapter

Chapter 6

Stradlater returnsIs unhappy with essay – Holden rips it upGets into fight over JaneWhat is this behaviour showing us about Holden?Cares more than he showsProbably upset from thinking about AllieDefinitely worried over Jane’s honour and innocenceWants to protect Jane

Chapter 6

Pg 40 puts on hat after fight Why?Symbol of how he feelsRebelliousMakes him feel more confidentContradiction between maturity and childlike qualitiesGoes to visit Ackley - who he has just been telling us all his faults – Why?Suggest Ackley closes person to a friend he hasHoping for support / sympathy

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

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?

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?