STUDY GUIDE

The Catcher in the Rye

J. D. Salinger · 1951

Holden Caulfield wanders New York after leaving school, criticizing adult phoniness while struggling with grief, isolation and the fear of growing up.

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CHAPTERS

Chapter guide

Chapters 1–8
Chapters 9–16
Chapters 17–26

CHARACTERS

Who matters

Holden Caulfield
Phoebe Caulfield
Allie Caulfield
Mr. Antolini

THEMES

Ideas to track

Alienation
Grief
Innocence
Growing up

SYMBOLS

Recurring images and objects

Red hunting hatMuseumDucks in Central Park

KEY QUOTES

Important lines to understand

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