The Catcher in the Rye Quiz

Based on the first sentence of the novel, do you think Holden Caulfield will be providing every single detail of his story? Why or why not?

• Yes, because he wants readers to know everything about his life.

• No, because he wants to keep his life a secret.

• Yes, because he enjoys sharing all the details.

• No, because he finds his whole autobiography boring.

Holden is not going to tell readers his life story. What IS he going to tell them?

• His school achievements.

• His favorite hobbies.

• His madman experiences before Christmas.

• His plans for the future.

Holden is cynical about the Pencey Prep advertisements. Why does he feel this way?

• Because they are misleading and phony.

• Because they are funny.

• Because they are creative.

• Because they accurately represent the school.

What’s important about the day the story starts? What is going on with Holden and Pencey Prep? Why is this happening?

• Holden is getting expelled from Pencey Prep.

• Holden is starting a new job.

• It's Holden's birthday.

• Holden is winning an award.

Holden describes the story of the cancelled fencing tournament as 'pretty funny'. Why does he say this? Is it really funny?

• It's funny because the tournament was a joke.

• It's funny because Holden enjoys pranks.

• It's not funny, Holden is just pretending.

• It's funny because Holden is a comedian.

Holden believes it’s better to know when you’re leaving a place. Why does he think so?

• Because it's fun to surprise people.

• Because it's more mysterious.

• Because it allows for a proper goodbye.

• Because it's easier to sneak out.

Holden adds commentary and streams of consciousness to his story. Find two quotes that seem to contradict each other. Explain.

• Holden is a boring narrator.

• Holden is always honest.

• Holden is a terrific liar.

• Holden never contradicts himself.

Holden wonders about the ducks in Central Park. What does this curiosity reflect?

• His deeper concerns about survival and change.

• His love for nature.

• His interest in birdwatching.

• His fear of birds.

Holden reflects on reasons he hates growing old and old people. What are these reasons?

• He loves the smell of old people.

• He wants to become old quickly.

• He dislikes the physical aspects of aging and dwelling on the past.

• He enjoys listening to old people's stories.

Holden says he's a terrific liar. How should readers decide what to believe while reading this novel?

• Ignore everything Holden says.

• Be skeptical and look for inconsistencies.

• Believe everything Holden says.

• Trust Holden completely.