Catcher In The Rye Quotes

Perla Cruz Rosario
September 4, 2015
The Catcher in the Rye

1. Chapter 1 Quote:

“I remember around three o’clock that afternoon I was standing way the hell up on top of Thomsen Hill, right next to this crazy cannon that was in the Revolutionary War and all. You could see the whole field from there, and you could see the two teams bashing each other all over the place.” (Salinger 2)
1. Chapter 1 Quote Explanation:

While everyone is at the game interacting with each other, Holden is detached and distant. His aloof personality is contradictory to his desire to say goodbye when leaving places that he mentions on page 4.
2. Chapter 2 Question:

What makes Holden so uncomfortable about the smell of Vicks Nose Drops and Mr. Spencer’s bathrobe

Chapter 2 Analysis:

Holden states that he does not mind being lectured, what really unsettles him is the smell of his teacher’s nose drops and seeing his pajamas and bathrobe. Those three things all represent growing up which is what Holden is afraid of.
3. Chapter 3 Quote:

"I'm the most terrific liar you ever saw in your life. It's awful. If I'm on my way to buy a magazine, even, and somebody asks me where I'm going, I'm liable to say I'm going to the opera. It's terrible." (Salinger 16)
3. Chapter 3 Quote Explanation:

It's ironic how Holden is so quick to lie about things that there is no reason to lie about yet he continuously calls everyone around him a phony.
4. Chapter 4 Question:

Why was Holden so nervous about Stradlater going on a date with Jane? He shows no indication that he is jealous yet he is uncomfortable with them being together.

4. Chapter 4 Analysis:

It does not seem like Stradlater genuinely likes Jane. While Holden is ranting on about her Stradlater only shows interest when Holden mentions her step father walking around naked in front of her. This shows that Stradlater only views Jane in a sexual way which is what makes Holden nervous about them being

Chapter 13 Quote:

“It’s no fun to be yellow. Maybe i’m not all yellow. I dont know. I think Maybe i’m just partly yellow and partly the type that doesn't give much of a damn if they lose their gloves.” (Salinger 89)
13. Chapter 13 Quote Explanation:

Holden is admitting that he is a coward.
If somebody stole his gloves he would not have the courage to do anything but try to talk it out with the other person. He would not get physical.
14. Chapter 14 Question:
Although Holden does not say it, it is obvious that he regrets not letting Allie go to the lake with him and his friend Bobby. He replays the memory in his head but changes his decision by telling Allie to grab his bike. What does this say about his mental stability?
14. Chapter 14 Analysis:
It is easy to tell that Holden is not mentally well. He can not seem to get over his brother’s death even though it has been years since it happened. It takes time for someone to grieve their loss but Holden’s hallucinations suggest that what he needs is professional care.
15. Chapter 15 Quote:

“It isn’t important, I know, but I hate it when somebody has cheap suitcases. It sounds terrible to say it, but I can even get to hate somebody, just looking at them, if they have cheap suitcases with