Chapter 1
Holden seems really blunt, honest, and unmotivated. He is also the narrator of the story.
Pencey prep is the school where he attends. It is an all boys school, and Holden will shortly no longer be attending school there due to his horrible grades. Holden tells us how he left sports equipment on a subway on the way to a fencing meet. The team was angry and ostracized him. He thought it was funny, which gives me the idea that he is use to being out casted, and doesn't take anything seriously. Holden mentions his brothers Jaguar for which he paid $4,000. Holden believes this to be expensive, which kind of gives us an idea that this book is taking place in the 1940's or 50's. Holden talks about how goodbye's are sentimental, yet bitter. He tone seems negative at the beginning of the chapter, but he seems to be warming up towards the end of the chapter. He seems upper-class because when he visited Mr. Spencer he pointed out that they didn't have a maid and said they didn't have a lot of money. Mr. Spencer is Holden's history teacher, and has grippe.
Chapter 2
Holden seems to think that life is a joke. He doesn't truly hear waht Mr. Spencer is tryignt to tell him and he complained a lot. Holden explains situations using great imagery. Holden exhibits good manners and refers to Mr. Spencer as sir. He is also very kind, but only out loud. In this chapter we also learn that Holden has been to several different schools, four to be exact. I found the fact that he has gray hair very ironic. Gray hair is usually a sign of old age, and older people then to be mature. Holden is very young, and very immature. He's really picky about everything. He doesn't like the usage of certain words, sayings, or the repeating of something more than once. He says things to people to make them happy. He dazed off and started thinking about ducks and lagoons while Mr. Spencer was talking. Holden thinks most everyone is "phony". In this chapter Holden also admits that he has little concern for his future, and when Mr. Spencer told him good luck he thought it sounded terrible. His ways of thinking gives me the impression that he is depressed or lonely.
Chapter 3
He lied about his athletic equipment being in the gym so he could leave Mr. Spencer's. His lies aren't really deep lies, but they really have no point. He doesn't tend to see the good aspects of people (ex:Ossenburger). He is very innapropriate, and found it hysterical when someone passed gas during Ossenburger's speech. Holden says "I'm quite illiterate, but I read a lot" I found that quote ironic. Holden doesn't socialize much. Ackley, a man who resides in the same building as Holden, comes off as a loner. He has bad personal hygiene (ex:doesn't brush teeth, has pimple covered skin). Holden says Ackley has a terrible personality, and doesn't like anyone except Holden.
Chapter 4
Holden always has something negative to say about everyone (ex:Stradlater is a horrible whistler, he's never in tune, he's a secret slob, Ackley has no friends, and is really annoying, everyone is phony). Holden talks about guys being handsome a lot, which gives me the feeling that he is either bisexual, or homosexual. He stereotypes a lot (ex:hot-shots always ask for favors). He jokes around constantly. I found it very strange that Holden would do Stradlater's report when he won't even do his own. It was also wierd how he wrote about such a sensitive subject (his deceased brother). Upon Stradlater's arrival home, Holden gets overly excited when Jane Gallagher is mentioned He seems to like her because he rants on and on about her, and gets worried about Stradlater "giving her the time".
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