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

2. Where did Holden sleep after leaving Mr. Antolini's apartment?

3. Where does Holden tell Phoebe to meet him?

4. Where is Phoebe when Holden arrives?

5. What does Holden imagine while he was at the bar?

Short Essay Questions

1. Why does it make Holden sad when Phoebe asks why he got kicked out of Pencey?

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

3. Why does Holden call Sally when he is drunk?

4. Why is Holden so emotional when he sees Phoebe on the carousel?

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

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

7. Why does Holden put his suitcases under his bed at Elkton Hills?

8. What does Holden thinking he will disappear as he crosses the street symbolize, and why does he call out to Allie for help?

9. Why does Holden scold Phoebe for putting ink on Curtis Weintraub's windbreaker?

10. What does it reveal about Holden when he finally tells Phoebe what he likes?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Explain Holden's view of women, particularly as they relate to intimate relationships and sex. How does Holden react when faced with the prospect of sex? How does Holden express genuine affection for women? What women in the novel does he care about? How can you tell?

Essay Topic 2

Explain the significance of the phrase “catcher in the rye.” What does this phrase mean to Holden? What does it mean to the reader? What does this phrase mean to the overall novel?

Essay Topic 3

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?

(see the answer keys)

This section contains 638 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample