Catcher in the Rye: Preparation for Discussion

3. Who is the most heroic character in this story? Holden? James Castle? Phoebe? Mr. Antolini? The nuns?

I think that the most heroic character is Phoebe, Holden’s younger sister. I say it’s her because she is the one that actually breaks him down and tells Holden reality which he doesn’t want to see. She also switches up on him, in the sense that she starts to act like him. Holden needed realization to hit him, especially coming from his family. I feel like Phoebe gave him the power to recognize the truth. “I said I’m not going back to school…do what you want to do, but I’m not going back to school…so shut up.” (208) Instead of Holden protecting Phoebe, she’s protecting him.

8. Catcher in the Rye has been on banned book lists since it was first published. Should this book be read in school? If so, how would you defend it? Why should students read this novel?

I think this book should be read in schools because many students can relate to the main character, Holden. Students should read this book because it kind of gives a comfort of fear towards growing up normal.

9. Does Holden change in this story? Does he grow up? Is so, when? Is there a specific moment when he transforms?

Holden does change in the story. He grows up and finally let’s goes of his fear what the end of the book. I say the end of the book because he states: “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”(214) not only that but I think he’s referring to his past and not just the people.