The Catcher in the Rye

Chapters 1-4

Reading Check

1. Holden's brother, D.B, is an actor in Hollywood. (Chapter 1)

2. Holden left all the equipment on the subway. (Chapter 1)

3. Mr. Spencer (Chapters 1-2)

4. Four times (Chapter 2)

5. Mr. Spencer shows Holden his history exam, specifically the paper he wrote about mummies. (Chapter 2)

Short Answer

1. Holden stands at a distance from others because he doesn't care for the people at the game, considering them to be "phony slobs." This reveals that Holden self-isolates from others because he is critical of them, and he sees others as inauthentic. (Chapter 1)

2. Although Holden self-isolates and claims to dislike Pencey and the people who attend the school, this desire to give Pencey a ceremonious and meaningful goodbye indicates that he does have a bit of emotional attachment toward the school. Holden may be more sentimental than he lets on. (Chapter 1)

3. Holden criticizes Mr. Spencer for his age, mocking his wrinkled skin. This does not seem fair, as no one can avoid the inevitable process of aging. This reveals that Holden finds aging troubling and depressing. (Chapter 2)

4.