Harry "Rabbit" Angstrom, much like Holden Caulfield in J.D. Salinger's The Catcher in the Rye, is in rebellion against the life he knows. Read The Catcher in the Rye and explore the similarities and differences between these two characters.

During the late 1950s, when the novel was penned, the feminist movement had not yet gained momentum. All female characters in the book are portrayed as wives or otherwise reliant on men, lacking independent careers or jobs. Consider how the feminist movement may have transformed relationships between men and women, and reflect on how it might have influenced the dynamics of the couples in Updike's novel.

When Rabbit embarks on his road trip, he is taken aback to find that America is not uniform—people can identify his origin just by observing him. Do you believe that the various regions of America have grown more alike since the late 1950s, or do distinct differences still exist? In your personal travels, what have you observed that highlights the differences between people and places compared to where you reside?

Rabbit is driven to seek a life of significance, even if his quest causes harm to others. Do you believe this pursuit is justified? Why or why not?

Rabbit was a standout figure in high school but hasn't achieved anything notable since. Given that athletic prowess relies on physical attributes that typically change with age, most athletes must accept that they will eventually need to transition to a different career and find success elsewhere. For instance, some athletes, like young Olympic gymnasts, peak in their early teens. Afterward, their athletic capabilities decline, compelling them to explore new careers or continue working within their sport in different capacities. Research the life of a young athlete you admire and discuss how they have navigated this transition or how they plan to maintain success in the future.