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.
Why does Holden see people as phonies?
As much as Holden hates phoniness, he sometimes behaves like a phony. For example, he contacts people like Sally and Carl that he sees as phony
for social interaction because he feels lonely
.
Where does Holden talk about phonies?
In Chapter 22
, when Holden is talking to his little sister Phoebe, he tries to tell her why he has gotten kicked out of Pencey. “A million reasons why. It was one of the worst schools I ever went to. It was full of phonies.”
What does Holden say about the phonies at pencey?
Holden doesn’t respect the boys who attend Pencey, commenting to his sister Phoebe that,
“You never saw so many mean guys in your life.
” It’s clear that the school has failed Holden as much as Holden has failed the school; it is nothing more than a system designed by and for people of privilege, a fact which clearly …
For what reasons is Holden especially critical of phonies?
Holden’s main problem, although he isn’t aware of it, is that
he doesn’t want to grow up
. He dislikes adults because he doesn’t want to become an adult. Consequently he sees everything that is wrong with adults—and there is plenty!
Is Mr Spencer a phony?
Spencer (“he was a nice old guy”), it also reveals his characteristically critical nature (he “didn’t know his ass from his elbow”). Part of Holden’s frustration may stem from his sense that Mr. … Spencer among the many other people—especially adults—
Holden considers phony
.
Who did Holden call phony?
Holden describes many people and things as “phony” throughout The Catcher in the Rye, and this appears to be his favorite criticism. For example, Holden calls the
headmaster of Pencey Prep
a “phony slob” and criticizes his brother D. B. for being a phony sell-out for wanting to write Hollywood screenplays.
Why did Holden leave Elkton Hills?
Holden leaves Elkton Hills mainly
because of the phonies he sees on the prep school campus
. He describes them as “coming through the windows” because there are so many. It really is an excuse to “quit” because he was about to be kicked out of Elkton Hills because of his grades.
What does Holden Caulfield hate?
Holden mentions consistently throughout the story that what he hates the most, in general, is (quote)
“phony people”
. On that list many will fall such as girls, jocks, his older brother, among others. Holden’s anger cannot be pinned down to a list of specific people he dislikes.
Why is Holden afraid of growing up?
Holden’s problems
The lack of love, attention and faith in life
makes him afraid of adulthood. He does not want to be part of that frightening world. He looks for answers and tries to find himself and stop being stuck in between childhood and adulthood.
What mental illness does Holden have?
While Salinger never provides a specific diagnosis, references to Holden’s mental instability are clear throughout the novel, and the reader could easily make the connection that Holden suffers from some combination of
depression, anxiety, and/or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
.
Why was Mr Antolini petting Holden?
Antolini
touches Holden’s forehead as he sleeps
, he may overstep a boundary in his display of concern and affection. However, there is little evidence to suggest that he is making a sexual overture, as Holden thinks, and much evidence that Holden misinterprets his action.
Why is Holden in a mental hospital?
Today, readers might infer that Holden must be suffering from some combination of depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and anxiety. Holden himself
references mental illness, trauma, and psychoanalysis
. … Holden notes that his mother has been “very nervous” since Allie’s death.
What is Holden critical of?
Holden is critical of many things and often uses the word “phony” to express his criticism. What would you say he is critical of? I think he is critical of
people who try to cover up their true selves to make themselves appear better in the eyes of others
, like the people he goes to school with at Pencey Prep.
What is Holden Caulfield’s personality?
Although he is intelligent and sensitive, Holden narrates in a
cynical and jaded voice
. He finds the hypocrisy and ugliness of the world around him almost unbearable, and through his cynicism he tries to protect himself from the pain and disappointment of the adult world.
What is Holden Caulfield syndrome?
Caulfield may be seen as suffering from a variety of mental illnesses including
depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
. This mental state could be a result of a variety of factors, including the death of his younger brother Allie, as well as witnessing the gruesome scene of a classmate’s death.
