The Catcher in the Rye Study Guide

1. Where does the title of the novel come from?

• a game that Holden and Allie would play
• a reference to Greek mythology
• a poem by Robert Burns
• the title of Holden's favorite song

2. What is the name of the benefactor of Holden's dormitory wing?

• Fawcett
• Weiss
• Merriman
• Ossenburger

3. What is Phoebe's favorite movie?

• The Doctor
• The 39 Steps
• Gone With the Wind
• The Wizard of Oz

4. After his fight with Stradlater, Holden claims that he is a/an ________.

• sadist
• anarchist
• wimp
• pacifist

5. Holden tells the girls he saw ________ at the Lavender Room.

• Laurence Olivier
• Alfred Lunt
• Gary Cooper
• Peter Lorre

6. What is one of Holden's least favorite words?

• indeed
• grand
• phony
• fabulous

7. Which prep school did Holden NOT attend?

• Pencey
• Andover
• Whooton
• Elkton Hills

8. How did Allie die?

• a car accident
• World War II
• polio
• leukemia

9. Which of the following things does Holden NOT like?

• The nuns at Grand Central
• Hemingway's "A Farewell to Arms"
• Allie Caulfield
• James Castle

10. What smell permeates Mr. Spencer's home?

• Potpourri
• Cigar Smoke
• Alcohol
• Vicks Nose Drops