Chapter 2 of the Catcher in the Rye Interpretive Questions 1.

Explain how the author's uses of the first and second person, forming a conversation, allow the reader to view the story from the outside? 2. Holden attempts to persuade the reader that he doesn't care about social norms, however he analyzes the actions of every other character, and judges each person by these actions. Does he truly not care about what others think, or is he putting up a front for wanting to think and be like others? 3. Holden views everything from an outside perspective, and forms opinions on the actions of everyone in the first person, while addressing the reader after explaining each observation. Does this allow the reader to make his own judgments of each character, including Holden? Why or why not? 4. Holden seems to contradict himself throughout chapter 2, as he describes his indifference to society, yet finds it important for characters to follow social norms. How does this contribute to the characterization of Holden? 5. Why is Holden so opposed to Mr. Spencer reading his essay and giving him a speech? 6. How does the theme of teen angst continue to develop throughout this chapter? 7. How does the tone aid the reader in developing opinions about each character? Connections/Literary Analysis Thus far in the novel, Holden has made it clear to the reader that he is questioning the conformities of society. Though he doesn't conform to society, as seen by his grades and interaction with other people, he wants others to continue to follow general rules that society has. He shows us this when he becomes frustrated by the principal's rudeness, and disgusting acts, such as Mr. Spencer picking his nose. By his questioning of social norms, Holden furthers the theme of teen angst. Ultimately, this teen angst, that is seen in the book, as well as everyday life, is nothing more than questioning what is considered socially acceptable. Holden display this, because he is expressing a period of teen angst, in which he begins questions the outside world, and why things are and are not acceptable. This shows the reader that teen angst is nothing more than a period of time in which one questions conformities; members of society then try to pull this person back in, to make him stop questioning, and just follow the normalcies. This leads to a particular pattern of teenagers questioning society, then realizing it is more beneficial to follow the norm. The tone of the book through chapter 2, a sarcastic, pessimistic, questioning one, is created by the distinct informal and improper diction. Holden, the narrator speaks to the audience, with numerous similes which provide humor, as well as the tone of sarcasm. He views most things in a negative light, creating a pessimistic tone. Lastly,

he is continuously questioning himself, and whether he should follow social norms, and whether the social norms, or lack thereof, are acceptable. WAIT....NO to the last 2 paragraphs...maybe A developing theme is the conformity or lack of, to social norms. Holden thinks and speaks of himself as a non-conformist and criticizes "phonies", or those who follow general societal behavior, however, he also criticizes those who do not follow social norms, such as when he previous principal is clearly rude to certain people. Holden is continuously contradicting himself with these thoughts, and cannot seem to form a clear opinion on whether or not one should follow what society wants. He even goes as far to say that everyone goes through phases, again classifying himself as a normal member of society. Quote Response
Quote Response I know that sounds mean to say, Holden is having a conversation with himself as well as the but I don't mean it mean. (Holden) audience. He is evaluating his opinions on people, and -- Page 10 recognizes what is mean and what isn't. The adds to his characterization as an opinionated anxiety driven teenager. He still however can recognize what is and is not acceptable to say and think. He just kept talking about Life being a game and all. You know. (Holden) --Page 12 Principal Turner is the first person seen so far that attempts to bring Holden back to society. The principal explains how in order to succeed, one must conform to social norms, rather than attempting to understand social norms, and then deviate from them as seen by Holden. Holden is recognizing the fallacies of society. He says that while he doesn't like these norms, he is okay with them, unless one forces him to follow them as well. This expresses the teen angst which has manifested itself throughout the first two chapters. Holden does not want to forced to follow any set of rules by society. Holden conveys to the reader how he dislikes when Mr. Spencer reads his paper aloud. Holden clearly knows he is wrong, and displays a sort of internal guilt, but external indifference to Mr. Spencer at first. Later, he tells Mr. Spencer that he also would have flunked himself for that kind of work. This helps characterize Holden as a dynamic character, who is willing to allow society to pull him back in to the social norm. In this case, Mr. Spencer is a force attempting to pull Holden back into the realm of social normalcies, and working hard for a future. He is playing a role very similar

People always thing something's all true. I don't give a damn, except that I get bored sometimes when people tell me to act my age. (Holden) -- Page 13 He stopped reading and put the paper down. I was beginning to sort of hate him. (Holden) --Page 14

How do you feel about this, boy? I'd be very interested to know. Very interested. (Mr. Spencer) --

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to what is seen in modern day when teachers try to convince teenagers to do their work well, and have honor for something well done. However, as Holden later states, everyone goes through odd stages of non conformity. This statement continues the highly prevalent theme of teen angst. Holden sees everyone else as a phony, and somehow views himself as someone above them. It's ironic however, how he criticizes people for deviating from conformity, yet criticizes them for not. He is the quintessential hypocrite. Holden is acting as a hypocrite. He is critical of those who conform, those who don't conform, and by stating that everyone goes through phases, he would ultimately be conforming to societal norms.

One of the biggest reasons I left Elkton Hills was because I was surrounded by phonies. (Holden) -Page 19

I'm just going through a phase right now. Everybody goes through phases and all, don't they. (Holden) --Page 20-21