Ideas for Group Discussions
1. Holden frequently uses the term "phony" to describe people, events, and popular culture like movies. What does he imply by this word, and what does it reveal about his values?
2. Holden dreads military service because he won't have the freedom to choose his companions. What does this indicate about Holden's social ideals?
3. Holden criticizes almost all the young people he meets, noting their lack of awareness about the complexities beyond school and personal desires. Is his criticism of adolescent self-centeredness valid? Have young people changed since the novel's publication in 1951?
4. Several times, Holden delves into discussions about the Bible, religion, and Catholicism, often with sharp and ironic commentary. What is he actually criticizing?
5. What does Holden mean when he says he wants to be a catcher in a field of rye, preventing children from falling off the edge?
6. Does Holden perceive Phoebe as she truly is, or is she a creation of his imagination?
7. Is Holden mentally ill, or does he simply have a different, perhaps justified, perspective?
Mark A. Weinstein
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