When he reads Phoebe's notebook, or when he remembers Allie's foibles, he can't block the surging emotions that overflow his defenses. What are some of the things that “kill” Holden, in his words?Īnswer: In general, the things that make Holden feel emotional (“killing” him) involve children. Specifically, he is fleeing Stradlater, who has co-opted the one and only girl he truly loves, Jane Gallagher. What is the significance of the red hunter's hat that Holden wears?Īnswer: Both Phoebe and Allie had red hair, so Holden's red hunter's cap, with its childish echoes, is his way of bonding with both of them and retaining his innocence.Īnswer: Holden is kicked out for failing too many classes, but he ultimately chooses to leave early to get away from all the phonies who are making him miserable. When he finds out that Stradlater had a date with her and treats the whole affair so casually, he cannot hold in his rage. Why does Holden slug Stradlater at Pencey?Īnswer: Holden is in love with Jane Gallagher, one of the few girls he has allowed himself to get close to. Holden himself either wants to be such a catcher, who rescues children, since he believes they are the only people who are genuine in the world, or he wants to be rescued by the catcher. What is the significance of the novel’s title?Īnswer: Holden holds onto a song about a catcher in the rye who catches all the children in his path just before they run off a cliff, rescuing them from doom. Holden is deeply disappointed in those who cannot see beyond life's mundane duties and trivialities. What does Holden mean when he calls people around him “phonies”?Īnswer: By “phony,” Holden means someone who is inauthentic and living on the surface as opposed to actually seeing the world clearly and living authentically, not selling out to artifice.