In a message dated 98-10-28 01:20:48 EST, you write: << I expected it was going to be revealed as the whole meaning of the book - *Holden is meant to be a teacher*! It seemed all to make sense then - he cannot be a student because he is an innate teacher; that is what he is meant to do. It's strange, it's barely occured to me since then. But I guess, like you say, that a teacher (a *good* teacher) is a kind of formalised catcher in the rye. >> I never thought of that...it makes a lot of sense. That's why I love this list, new insights. Anyway, my sister and I were tackling the idea of what a 'catcher in the rye' would actually be...she decided that a school crossing guard would be the best fit job. A teacher...that makes so much sense. Thanks. Morgan