Catcher 7-15 Literary Terms

An allusion is a popular reference to something of culture, history, or religion. Which of these quotes from the book has an allusion in it?

• "What I did, I started talking, sort of out loud, to Allie. I do that sometimes when I get very depressed."

• "As a matter of fact, I’m the only dumb one in the family."

• "Sometimes you get tired of riding in taxi cabs the same way you get tired riding in elevators. All of a sudden, you have to walk, no matter how far or how high up."

• "I like almost anybody in the Bible better than the Disciples."

Answer explanation

Here Holden alludes towards the Bible and Disciples, which are religious references/allusions.

Who would you say is the antagonist of the book at this point?

• Holden

• Holden's teachers

• Ernie, the bar owner

• the ducks

Answer explanation

Holden is the only real antagonist in the story as of now...he continuously battles with himself.

Who would you say is the protagonist of the story?

• Sunny and Maurice

• the teachers

• Holden

• the taxi driver

Answer explanation

Clearly Holden is the protagonist, telling his own story.

The literary term "apostrophe" is different than the grammar term. As a literary term it is defined as when a character addresses someone not there. Who does Holden say he talks to out loud, who isn't there?

• himself

• his mom and dad

• his brother, Allie

• God

Answer explanation

Holden says in the book when he is rather depressed he will speak out loud to his brother Allie, who is no longer alive, as we already know.

Which literary term is this an example of? Holden uses the word “phony” on people, yet he mentions himself being “the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life.”

• irony

• theme

• mood

• conflict

Answer explanation

The word "phony" is used over 35 times in the book!

Holden has now ventured into the city, going from place to place to keep himself busy. This is most likely considered what part of the plot?

• exposition

• rising action

• climax

• falling action

Answer explanation

The rising action typically has minor conflicts along the way, which we have definitely seen!

Which theme best represents these chapters of the book?

• school isn't meant for everyone

• know when to ask for help

• do to others as you wish done to you

• alienation as a form of self-protection

Answer explanation

Holden continually tries to find himself in a world with others, but also continually sees he doesn't fit in very well and alienates himself from others on purpose.

What mood (atmosphere) best defines this portion of the book?

• reflective

• depressing

• upbeat

• scary

Answer explanation

Although you might have said "reflective" because Holden is retelling a story, this actual part of the plot gears more towards "depressing" because Holden says it is his mental state currently. Therefore his way of telling the story is depressing as well...