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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. What wakes Holden?

2. What finally ends the conversation between Mr. Antolini and Holden?

3. What does Carl say Holden needs?

4. What is Mrs. Antolini's first name?

5. Where does Holden want to go with Sally?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. Why does Holden want to move to the West and pretend to be a deaf-mute?

3. Why is Phoebe angry when she realizes Holden got kicked out of Pencey?

4. Why does Holden second-guess his reaction to Mr. Antolini patting his head?

5. Why is Holden confused when Sally tells him to stop yelling?

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

7. Why is Mr. Antolini worried about Holden?

8. Why does Holden like the kettledrum player in the orchestra?

9. Why does Carl suggest Holden see a psychoanalyst?

10. Why does Holden imagine he was shot by Maurice?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

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 2

Explain Holden's use of fantasy throughout the novel. What scenes and situations does he imagine? Why does he create these fantasies for himself? How do these fantasies affect the novel?

Essay Topic 3

Explain the final chapter of The Catcher in the Rye. Is this a satisfying ending? Why or why not? What, if any, unanswered questions does the author leave the reader with? Why?

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This section contains 608 words (approx. 3 pages at 300 words per page) View a FREE sample