Holden is introduced as a rebel that refuses to complete his homework assignments and has even got expelled for his poor grades.
Holden describes most people as phonies and fakes because he feels they are putting on an act to impress others.
Holden is a person that values honesty and sincerity.
Holden likes to act spontaneously. For example, he decides to go to NYC to spend a few nights in a cheap motel.
Holden is very interested in sex even though he is a virgin. He feels strongly that sex should happen between people who care deeply about and respect one another, and he is upset by the realization that sex can be casual. He even hires a prostitute to talk to her, not to have sex.
Holden acts like a tough guy when in reality he is a coward. He is very nervous about having a prostitute but he tries to act normal about it.
Holden
Holden, Massachusetts
HoldenHe then tries to act tough when Maurice is asking for five more dollars for the prostitute but Holden starts to cry when the prostitute takes the five dollars.
Holden likes to exaggerate. This is ironic because this makes him appear as a phony himself.
Holden has strong feelings towards young children. For example, he is very closely attached to his younger sister Phoebe. He even erases profanity off the walls of the museum and the school so that little children don't see it.
Holden is also lonely and depressed. He feels left out of society and tries desperately to find his place in the world.
Holden is obsessed with death. He constantly dwells on the death of his brother, Allie. He carries Allie's baseball glove wherever he goes because he enjoys reading the poems written in green ink on it.
Holden feels that...