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Phoebe makes Holden’s picture of childhood—of children romping through a field of rye—seem oversimplified, an idealized fantasy. Phoebe’s character challenges Holden’s view of the world: she is a child, but she does not fit into Holden’s romanticized vision of childlike innocence.
- Mr. Antolini
Antolini’s inquiries about Holden’s girlfriends and the fact...
- Mr. Antolini
Oct 4, 2024 · Holden views Phoebe as a genuine and innocent figure, contrasting with the "phony" adult world he despises. Their bond is deeply influenced by the loss of their brother Allie, whom Holden...
After remembering the death of this young boy, the only thing Holden can think to tell Phoebe he likes is “Allie.” His mind is increasingly preoccupied with childhood and childhood death; he thinks to call Mr. Antolini when he remembers the teacher picking up James Castle’s broken body in his coat.
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Analysis
After Luce leaves, Holden stays at the bar, getting “drunk as hell.” Hetries to invite one of the singers to join him for a drink and imagines that heis wounded. Holden leaves the bar to call Jane Gallagher, but when he gets to the phonebooth he decides to call Sally Hayes instead. He tells Sally that he’ll helpher trim the tree on Christmas Eve. S...
Tricking the elevator boy, Holden sneaks into his family’s apartment. Holdenfinds Phoebe in his brother D.B.’s room and, watching her sleep, he feels“swell, for a change.” Smoking his last cigarette, Holden reads Phoebe’s schoolnotebooks on the desk. Holden wakes Phoebe up and she greets him affectionately. Phoebe tellsHolden about the play she is ...
When Holden returns to Phoebe’s room, she has removed the pillow but isstill upset. She continues to worry about their father’s reaction and asksHolden why he was expelled. Holden tries to explain to her some of the reasonshe hated Pencey. He tells her that Pencey was “full of phonies,” students andteachers alike. He recounts a story of a Pencey al...
Holden calls Mr.Antolini, and Mr. Antolini invites him to come over. Holden describes Mr.Antolini as “about the best teacher [he] ever had,” and he remembers how it wasMr. Antolini who picked up JamesCastle’s body. Holden goes back to Phoebe’s room, and they dance together. Holden’s parentscome home, and Holden hides in the closet as his mother che...
Holden takes a taxi to Mr. Antolini’s “swanky apartment,” and he describesthe Antolinis as “very intellectual.” Mr. and Mrs. Antolini greet Holden warmly. Mr. Antolini asks Holden aboutPencey, and Holden describes how he failed his Oral Expression course becausethe teacher forced the students to keep to their main point. Mr. Antolini tells Holden t...
Since leaving Pencey, Holden has been in public places, often interactingwith strangers. Adrift in the world by himself, Holden slips deeper intodepression, occasionally imagining his own death in detail. Finally, Holden decides that it is time to go home. Upon entering his house,he immediately recognizes the familiar smell. In contrast to the stra...
Holden loves Phoebe because he can easily connect with her. Not only is she a good listener, but she also has a keen sense of discernment. These characteristics make Holden feel like they are on the same page.
Phoebe is Holden 's younger sister. Though only 10 years old, she is considerably more mature than Holden, though Holden actually covets her because of her youthful innocence. She is a voice of reason throughout the novel, both in Holden's thoughts and in the advice she gives to him in person.
Holden’s thoughts about Phoebe and the joy he feels in response to the young boy’s song both indicate his idealization of purity and childhood. Holden can tell that the boy in front of the church comes from a poor family, but this doesn’t stop the young child from singing in a sweet, carefree way.
