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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. Where does Holden take Sally after the show?

2. Who is the regular night elevator boy at Holden's apartment building?

3. Where is Phoebe when Holden arrives?

4. Who did D.B. bring when he visited?

5. Where is the second place Holden intends to look for Phoebe?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why is Holden drawn to the boy singing as he walks down the street?

2. Why does Holden almost wish his parents caught him sneaking out of the apartment?

3. Why is Mr. Antolini worried about Holden?

4. Why does Holden end the novel where he does?

5. Why does Holden say he would volunteer to sit on an atomic bomb if there is another war?

6. Why does Holden think his sister not coming to his funeral would be the only good thing about him dying of pneumonia?

7. Why does Holden have so much respect for Mr. Antolini?

8. Why does Holden want to be the “catcher in the rye?”

9. Why does Holden feel better when he is looking around D.B.'s room?

10. Why does Holden regret telling his novel?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain the importance of perception in literature. How does the author use perception to affect the reader's interpretation of events in the novel? Give one example from The Catcher in the Rye that shows the importance of perception. Is this an effective use of perception? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Explain Holden's concern for the ducks in the lagoon. What is his concern? Why is he concerned? How does Holden address his concern? What does this concern reveal about his character?

Essay Topic 3

Identify and describe each of Holden's siblings. What role do his siblings play in the novel? What role does he play in their lives? What role does family play in Holden's life? How can you tell?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 636 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample