Please think about these three questions--you are note required to respond to these questions, but I would be interested to hear what you have to say about them.
1.) Why does Holden start crying at the end of chapter 23? How are his tears like the rain that has been a constant present in the novel? How does Phoebe act as a mirror for Holden--what does her character reflect?
2.) How is Holden 'connected' to James Castle? How does Mr. Antolini act as a bridge between these two characters?
3.) What does Holden hope to gain by going to Mr. Antolini's apartment? In this moment, does he finally get what he is searching for?
Good luck and let me know what I can do in order to be of assistance to you.
Best,
AK
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4 comments:
Chase Rosa
5-1-10
Brainstorm about questions
1. Holden starts crying at the end of chapter 23 because of Phoebe’s kindness by giving him her money. She has been the one who ultimately refused to not give Holden any help, so Holden can’t forgive her enough.
Phoebe’s character reflects the good in Holden. Her character reflects the intelligence of Holden. Phoebe reflects Holden’s past like when he went to the same museum and rollerskated in the same park when he was Phoebe’s age.
2. Holden is connected to James Castle because Holden wanted to commit suicide through a window, while James actually did. They were/are both bullied by something they would not take back. For Holden, he can’t take back the fact that the present he lives in is dreadful, that his past continues to bully him.
Bridge: A thing that provides connection, contact, and transistion.
Mr. Antolini acts as bridge between the two characters by saying that Holden will endure a terrific fall. James has already endured that fall. That fall was the bad fall. On the opposite end of the bridge, Holden will experience the more superior fall. Mr. Antolini provides the connection between the two by explaining to Holden about this fall. Through this, the car of destiny is able to make the transition to the other end of the bridge to Holden.
3. Holden goes to Mr. Antolini’s house for a place to stay for the night. Holden hopes to gain solutions for his problems. He hopes the solutions will point him to his destiny.
Holden was unable to finish the first task of staying the whole night. Rather, I think Holden had an epiphany over night and now suddenly realize he must leave.
1. Throughout the book rain, showers and water have been cropping up. It is referring to how Holden wants to rinse all the "dirty" stuff off of him.So when we see him cry it is because instead of nature trying to clean him he is finally trying to clean and change himself. When he spent time with Phoebe he probably saw himself at her age. They are probably a lot alike. Holden is always saying how Phoebe has so much potential, so maybe he realizes he does too and that hes just wasted it. Holden may not realize that he needs to change but it is as if nature is finally letting him know, because he even said he was surprised at himself and couldn't help it.
2.Holden went to school with James Castle at Elkton Hills. They never really talked, except for the one time James asked to borrow Holden's turtleneck sweater. In fact it was the same sweater he was wearing when he jumped out the window. Holden describes him as a gruesome mess, and the reason Mr. Antolini acts as bridge between them is because he was the one who removed Castle's body from the view of the students. I don't think its just coincidence that when Holden is beginning to think about jumping out a window that he calls Mr. Antolini.
3. Like I said in the last question I think Holden goes to Mr. Antolini to gain some comfort and guidence. He has seriously considered committing suicide so maybe he is just looking for that person to clean him up, just as Mr. Antolini has done before.
1. Holden begins to cry for a couple reasons. One reason is because of the generosity of his sister. She had absolutely no obligation to give him anything but choose to give him all of her birthday money. Few, if any, people have shown Holden similar generosity. This made Holden cry because he realizes how much Phoebe actually cares about him. However, these tears are also like the rain/bathtub in the book. The rain and bathtub have had a cleansing effect of Holden throughout the book, physically and mentally. These tears might be Holden’s attempt at cleansing himself. Holden does not want to take the money from his sister but has no choice. Taking the money may have made him feel like he was stealing or that he was dirty. The tears help clean the guilty away.
2. Holden is like James Castle in many ways. They are both social outcasts. They both also judge others, however, Holden keeps his ideas to himself. Throughout the book, Holden is constantly judging other characters. He does not, however, tell these characters what he thinks. James Castle is different because he actually voiced his opinion. This could be taken as not being cowardly or just outspoken. James did not fear his opinion but paid the price. Mr. Antolini acts like a bridge between Holden and James because he is the only real connection between them. Holden describes James as quiet so therefore he must not have talked to him much. Holden probably did not know James that well, so Mr. Antolini is really the only similar associate between the two of them.
3. Mr. Antolini is one of Holden’s only guides. Holden avoids his parents and leaves everyone at Pencey so they can offer him no moral guidance. Mr. Antolini, however, is different. Holden obviously feels comfortable around him because he opened up about his thoughts and problems. Also, Holden is lost. Holden needs someone to help him find his way. Mr. Antolini will not show him the way however but will only suggest ways to find it. Therefore, Holden does not find exactly what he is looking for, but rather a way to find it.
Mr. Rosa, Ms. Hayden, and Mr. B--
Thank you so much for your replies. The three of you bring up so many issues that are at the heart of Salinger's novel.
Keep up the good work--I can safely say that you possess rich thoughts, and I am eager to see just how wealthy your responses will become.
I thank you for the time, effort, and energy you have exhibited by going above and beyond your required efforts--this is something that can never be taught nor graded. It is simply exceptional. Keep up the good work.
With gratitude,
AK
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