Catcher 16-20 Literary Terms

What would you say is the author's purpose in writing this book?

• to teach a lesson on life skills needed outside of schooling

• to persuade readers to get therapy if needed

• to show the difficulties of growing up in NYC, 1940s

• to entertain teenagers while reading this at school

Answer explanation

J.D. Salinger had mixed reviews over his book once released. The younger generation loved it, but the older generation disagreed with it. The book was written originally for adults, not teens.

Holden trying to figure himself out, and eventually realizing he needs help is an example of what?

• external conflict

• internal conflict

• theme

• metaphor

Answer explanation

Every once in a while Holden's internal conflict turned into an external battle with others, but for the most part this book was one giant internal problem happening!

If you think Holden did NOT change throughout the book at all, he would be considered a ___.

• main character

• dynamic character

• unreliable narrator

• static character

Answer explanation

Holden could technically be classified as any of these answers, but per the question, the answer is static character! If you think Holden DID change, he would be dynamic. Unreliable narration is when the reader questions if we can believe the narrator, which is also true of Holden.

The main conflict in this part of the story is what?

• Holden escaping Maurice, who wants more money

• running from the police, who are looking for him

• how Holden can ignore his parents

• Holden trying to figure out where to go next to stay busy before going home

Answer explanation

Holden wanders from place to place aimlessly in these chapters. Finally at the end of Ch 20 he decides to go home and see his sister.

Which definition best matches the meaning for climax of a plot?

• the events that lead up to the high point of a story

• the high point of a story where we start to see the outcome for a character

• the events that following the high point of a story

• the very end of a book that ties all loose ends together

Answer explanation

We have NOT seen the climax of this book yet!

What definition best matches the meaning for the falling action of a story's plot?

• the events that lead up to a high point

• the high point of the story where readers see the possible outcomes for the main character

• the events after the high point of a story

• the very end where all loose ends are tied up

Answer explanation

This portion of the book will be very short...

What definition best matches the meaning for the resolution of the plot?

• events leading up to the high point

• the high point to see possible outcomes for the main character

• events following the high point

• the very end of a book that ties all loose ends together

Answer explanation

This is a very short segment of this book...