RE: The Catcher in the Rye help with homework Chapter 13
- Explain Holden’s confusion about his own assertiveness.
- Why does Holden allow Maurice to send the prostitute to his room? How does Holden excuse his agreeing to meet a prostitute?
- Explain what happens between Holden and the prostitute. What does this scene tell us about Holden?
- What does Holden’s pseudonym indicate about his insecurities?
- What comment shows Holden’s sensitivity to language?
Why does Holden allow Maurice to send the prostitute to his room? How does Holden excuse his agreeing to meet a prostitute?
When he arrives back at the hotel, Maurice, the elevator man asks if he would like a prostitute. He tells Holden it will be five dollars for a brief encounter and fifteen dollars for a girl who will stay until noon, and Holden, depressed and flustered, accepts. He says he would like the five-dollar deal. While waiting in his room, he again thinks about his cowardice, because he feels that his lack of aggression has prevented him from ever sleeping with a woman. Women, Holden believes, want a man who asserts power and control.