Chapter 1

.Holden Caulfield writes story from a home where he has been sent for therapy
.no mention of early life
-only detail, brother D.B. is a Hollywood writer; bitter because he sold out to wealth and fame
.then starts to mention early life
-departure from Pencey Prep (school in Agerstown, Pennsylvania), refused to apply himself so he failed 5/6 classes (only passed English); after the fall term he is forbidden to return to the school
-Saturday before Christmas vacation Holden looks at football field thinking about annual match against Saxton Hall; has no interest in the game at all
-manager of fencing team; supposed to be in New York for meet; lost equipment on subway however
does not like the prep school but still has to say goodbye
-goes to visit his former sick and old history teacher Mr. Spencer and is greeted warmly by his wife
-Holden =heavy smoker