Table of Contents
Is Holden a hypocrite?
Holden Caulfield is a hypocrite because he is constantly putting people into boxes, claiming that they are phony; this has caused him to become extremely isolated from others, so he thirsts for intimacy from strangers.
How does Holden feel about the world he lives in?
Holden wants to maintain his alienation from the world for self-protection purposes. He views the world as a place that “full of phonies” and he does not want to become one. Nonetheless, he often attempts to sabotage this alienation to end his loneliness.
Why does Holden think adults are phony?
Holden characterizes “phonies” as people who are dishonest or fake about who they really are, or people who play a part just to fit into a society that Holden questions. Therefore, Holden hates “phonies” because they represent everything he fears or fights against, such as adulthood, conformity, and commercialism.
Is Holden Caulfield a good person?
Holden is intelligent, sensitive, generous, and thoughtful. In many ways, he is the student every teacher wants in his class, since he thinks and cares about the books he reads and relates them to his own life. He also cares deeply about truth and authenticity.
What does Holden think about life being a game?
Mr. Spencer tells Holden that life is a game, a game that one must play by the rules. Holden disagrees. He feels it is only a game for the people on the side with all the “hotshots.”
Why does Holden lie about his name?
Morrow asks Holden his name because she wants to tell her son Ernest she met him on the train. If she knew Holden’s real name she would not only tell her son but she might tell others. For all Holden knows, she might even know his parents–or might know people who knew his parents.
How does Holden feel about himself?
Throughout the book, Holden often uses words like “crazy” and “depressed” to describe himself. This could be seen as just a typical teenager battling issues of identity, but it becomes clear that Holden is actually suffering from depression. Sunny ends up leaving Holden’s room after he says he just wants to talk.
Why does Holden lie about his age?
Holden lies to everyone about being kicked out of school. He even lies to Phoebe about it, but she knows him too well, and she gets the truth out of him eventually. He also continually lies about his age in order to get served alcohol, using the fact that he has some gray hair to his advantage.