Now that you have completed Catcher, let’s critically analyze the novel. Please respond to one problem from each of the five areas (Characterization, Theme, Setting, Symbolism, and Plot Ending). You must respond to five problems collectively. Make sure your answers are carefully thought out, sufficiently evidenced, in complete sentences, and properly edited. After you post your responses, review two or more of your peers’ threads and indicate whether you agree or disagree with any of their responses and why. You may also provide one or more syntax related suggestions on how to improve their work.

Characterization

1. Who is Phoebe? How does Holden view her, and what does she mean to him? How has Salinger constructed Phoebe’s character in this novel; what does she represent? Please thoroughly explain your interpretation. Why does Phoebe become upset with Holden?
2. Who is Mr. Antolini? On page 187, he discusses a “fall.” Paraphrase the passage and explain to what “fall” he is referring?

THEME

3. What would Holden like to be? What is his reasoning behind this ambition? Does this ambition define him? If so, how? Does it define the story’s theme or a recurring motif within the novel? If so, how?
4. What is the underlying theme of Catcher?

SETTING

5. How does Holden describe the Natural History Museum? Why does he care for that place so much? What does the museum signify?
6. While he is in the Pharaoh’s tomb, everything is momentarily peaceful, but then he comes across a “Fuck You” written on the wall in red crayon. What is the significance of this inscription within the story and on a socio-political scale? Why do you think Salinger had the “Fuck You” written on the museum wall in the Pharaoh’s tomb? In red crayon?