FAQs
- Q: Where is Holden at the start of the novel?
A: Holden is quite ambiguous about where he is and why he's there.
It is assumed that Holden has had a mental breakdown and is in a facility
receiving help.
- Q:What does a "catcher in the rye" mean?
A: The meaning comes from the Robert Burns poem Coming thro' the Rye
Holden pictures himself standing on the edge of a field catchering children before
they go over the edge. It is a way for him to perserve innocence.
- Q:What condition does Holden suffer from?
A:Holden does not come out and clearly state what condition he has been diagnosed with. He is a bit ambiguous in describing the treatment he has receive for his condition.
However, it is implied that Holden is suffering from some form of depression and/or anxiety. At the end of the novel, Holden's issues reach an all time high and
he can no longer escape the fact that he is suffering and needs help.
- Q:What are the main themes of the story?
A:Innocence vs. the adult world and alienation. Holden finds himself stuck where he is unable to let go of his childhood
and step into the harsh reality of the adult world. Holden's fear of growing up makes him push people away.
He refers to others as "phonies" and has difficulty buidling and maintaining friendships.
- Q: What is the significance of Holden's red hunting hat>
A: Holden is a unique character with an unusual perspective about the world around him. His red hunting hat
is a symbol of his uniqueness. He wants to be different than the "phonies" around him. The hat sets him a part
from his peers, even though he often does not wear the hat in front of others.
- Q: What is the significance of the Museum of Natural History?
A: The museum is another of many symbols throughout the novel. It signifies everything staying the same.
Holden fears change; in the museum, nothing ever changes. Holden feels safe going back to something
predictable that hasn't changed over the years. He wishes everything around him would stand still, not moving forward, and changing.