Psychoanalyze Holden Caufield
RBHS Main / Mancoff Main / Modern Novel Main


Introduction
Task
Process
Resources
Conclusion

Introduction:

    We learn from the opening pages of Catcher in the Rye that Holden Caufield is telling his tale to a psychiatrist.  This revelation puts us, as readers, quickly into the role of therapist as we listen to Holden's problems and try to analyze what makes him "tick".  Today, you'll use a basic psychological test to learn about Holden's personality and your own as well.

Task:

    You will use the Keirsey Temperament Sorter, a basic psychology test, to analyze Holden's personality.  You will then determine if the results seem to fit what you know of Holden thus far in the novel.

Process:

1.    Go to the Keirsey Temperament Sorter link.

2.    Register but give as little information as possible.

3.    Take the test once as yourself.

4.    View the results and print them if you want.

5.    Take the test again, as if you were Holden.

6.    View the results again and print them if you want.

7.    Write one paragraph in reaction to the results:

  • What were the results?
  • Did they seem to fit what you know of Holden?
  • Why or why not?

Resources:

Conclusion:

    Now that you have taken the personality test twice, you can begin to get a better insight into both Holden's personality and your own.  Imagine the difficulty you would have as a therapist in both understanding Holden's personality and problems and then helping him to overcome those difficulties.  Quite a challenge!