Which happens first after Holden has flunked out of Pencey Prep?

Holden yells "Sleep tight, ya morons!" as he leaves Pencey. What conflict directly leads to that exit?

On the train to New York, whom does Holden meet and lie to about Pencey?

Which Edmont Hotel event comes before Sunny and Maurice arrive at Holden's room?

Four late New York events are the Sally date, Carl Luce at the Wicker Bar, the visit to Phoebe, and Mr. Antolini's apartment. Which comes second?

What sends Holden out of Mr. Antolini's apartment in the middle of the night?

At Phoebe's school, what makes Holden feel that protecting children is impossible?

Which chain leads from Holden's western escape plan to the carousel scene?

Which is the final major scene before the novel's brief closing frame?

Why does Holden delay going home when he first reaches New York?

When Holden remembers breaking garage windows after Allie's death, what does that reveal about him?

Holden imagines living as a deaf-mute out west but ends up staying with Phoebe at the carousel. What change does that register?

Phoebe asks Holden to name one thing he likes. What role does she play in that scene?

Holden's memory of Jane keeping her kings in the back row during checkers most strongly shows what about him?

The Sally Hayes date turns into a sudden plan to run away and then an insult. What does this show about Holden?

At the Wicker Bar, what does Holden's conversation with Carl Luce reveal?

In the last chapter, a psychoanalyst keeps asking if Holden will apply himself at school next fall. Holden says you can't know what you'll do until you do it. What does that suggest?

Mr. Antolini's warning that Holden is headed for a "fall" points beyond grades to what danger?

Holden's red hunting hat is worn backward, hidden at times, and later placed on Phoebe. What does it mainly carry?

What does Allie's baseball glove with poems written on it symbolize for Holden?

Why does the Museum of Natural History matter so much to Holden?

Holden repeatedly asks about the ducks in Central Park lagoon. What does that motif express?

The record "Little Shirley Beans" breaks before Holden can give it to Phoebe, but she keeps the pieces. What does that object suggest?

When Phoebe reaches for the carousel's gold ring and Holden does not stop her, what has the symbol shifted toward?

Holden keeps saying he should give Jane a buzz, but he never actually talks to her during the weekend. What does that pattern show?

What do the obscene words on the school walls add to the novel's pattern of symbols?

The novel begins, "If you really want to hear about it..." What does that opening establish?

Holden calls many people phonies while he lies to Mrs. Morrow and others. What craft effect does this create?

Holden's narration keeps jumping from present events to Allie, Jane, school memories, and stray opinions. What technique does this resemble?

Why is the novel's slangy, conversational diction important?

Holden tells the weekend after it has happened, but he often sounds as if he is reliving it. What tension does this create?

Why does Salinger keep the story almost entirely inside Holden's perspective?

Holden imagines being "the catcher in the rye" after mishearing the song. What theme does that fantasy express?

Mr. Antolini quotes that the mature man wants "to live humbly" for a cause. How does that advice challenge Holden?

What theme is sharpened by James Castle's death at Elkton Hills?

The novel ends, "Don't ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody." What does the line reveal?

While visiting Mr. Spencer, Holden says, "People never notice anything." What theme does that complaint support?

Phoebe gives Holden her Christmas money and later brings a suitcase to go with him. What theme do those actions support?

Early in the novel, adults repeat that "Life is a game." Why does Holden resist that idea?

Holden's breakfast conversation with the nuns complicates his usual attacks on phoniness. How?