RE: The Catcher in the Rye help with homework Chapter 22

Chapter 22

 

  1. What new insight about Holden’s school failure does Holden’s explanation to Phoebe about his expulsion give the reader?
  2. In what way is Phoebe’s discussion with Holden (beginning on page 168) mature and adult-like?
  3. How does Phoebe psychoanalyze Holden?
  4. Who is more in touch with reality, Holden or Phoebe? Defend your view.
  5. What disgusts Holden about his own vision of his future?
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5 Answers

What new insight about Holden’s school failure does Holden’s explanation to Phoebe about his expulsion give the reader?

Holden tries to explain to Phoebe why he was expelled from Pencey. He tries to explain to her that all the students were ‘phony’ and mean but ends up admitting that he ‘can’t explain’. Phoebe challenges him to name one thing that he likes. Holden struggles and becomes distracted. All he can think about is the two nuns, a boy from Elkton Hills, James Castle, who killed himself, and Allie.

He finally tells Phoebe that he likes Allie and also that he likes talking to Phoebe but Phoebe thinks that neither of those two things count. In response to Phoebe’s suggestion that he should become a lawyer, Holden outlines quite honestly his problems. He explains that the main problem with growing up is how you would know if you ‘weren’t being a phony? The trouble is you wouldn’t‘. Holden then tells her that he would like to be ‘the catcher in the rye’.

Answered on 02.06.2017.
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