The Catcher in the Rye: Chapters 22-26

Lesson Plan - Get It!

Audio:

Think about a recent story you shared with friends or family.

• Did you recount the event accurately, or were there little adjustments and revisions that you made to the story for some reason?
• Do you think changing details when telling a story is acceptable?
• Do these changes still make you a reliable narrator, or should your audience question your truthfulness, also known as veracity?

Write a one- to two-paragraph reflection on these questions in your notes for the novel.

These same questions have been raised about Holden Caulfield's reliability as a narrator in The Catcher in the Rye.

To learn more about what literary critics have claimed about Holden's integrity as a narrator, read this excerpt from "To Tell You the Truth..." by Susan K. Mitchell.

Then, answer the following questions in your notebook.

• What two ways can the audience read Caulfield's narration that creates a paradox?
• What are the two reasons Mitchell provides for why Caulfield is an unreliable narrator?
• How does Mitchell describe Caulfield's view of his parents?
• What is one redeeming trait in D.B.'s character that Caulfield refuses to acknowledge, according to Mitchell?
• What positive characteristics does Caulfield attribute to Phoebe?
• What is Mitchell's ultimate decision about Caulfield's reliability?

After answering these questions, consider the one below.

• Do you agree with Mitchell's final assessment of Caulfield's reliability? Why or why not?

It is time to finish the novel. Read Chapters 22 through 26 in The Catcher in the Rye.

It would be best to obtain a print copy of the novel, which you can find in a local bookstore or library.

However, if you simply do not have access, you may use this online version of The Catcher in the Rye. It is important to note that this novel will be under copyright protection until 2080, so copies of the complete text are only permitted for educational purposes.

As you read, take notes on three events: the rest of Caulfield's visit with his sister, his visit to Mr. Antolini, and his final meeting with Phoebe at the museum. Write down any events that occur and how Caulfield emotionally reacts to these events.

When you've finished reading and taking notes, move to the Got It? section to explore the final events in Caulfield's trip to New York City.