Who does Holden consider a phony?
Holden expands his definition of phony to include anyone who is not 100% genuine at all times or that he doesn’t like. People who are charismatic, wealthy, attractive, friendly to others, or superficial are phonies according to Holden. The word ‘phony’ appears in The Catcher in the Rye about 35 times.
Why is Mr Haas a phony?
Antolini. Mr. Antolini is the adult who comes closest to reaching Holden. He manages to avoid alienating Holden, and being labeled a “phony,” because he doesn’t behave conventionally.
Who is Holden’s teacher in Catcher in the Rye?
Mr. Spencer
Spencer is Holden’s history teacher at Pencey. He’s the first adult Holden talks to in the book, and Holden seems to hold both him in high regard. When Holden visits Mr. Spencer in Chapter 2, his elderly teacher is housebound with the flu (“the grippe”).
What is phony to Holden Caulfield?
Holden characterizes “phonies” as people who are dishonest or fake about who they really are, or people who play a part just to fit into a society that Holden questions. Therefore, Holden hates “phonies” because they represent everything he fears or fights against, such as adulthood, conformity, and commercialism.
Does Holden like Mr Spencer?
Although Holden’s language shows that he has respect for Mr. Spencer (“he was a nice old guy”), it also reveals his characteristically critical nature (he “didn’t know his ass from his elbow”). Spencer among the many other people—especially adults—Holden considers phony.
Why did Holden leave Elkton Hills?
Holden leaves Elkton Hills mainly because of the phonies he sees on the prep school campus. He describes them as “coming through the windows” because there are so many. It really is an excuse to “quit” because he was about to be kicked out of Elkton Hills because of his grades.
Why is Holden still a virgin?
In contrast, Holden later claims that he’s still a virgin because he always stops at “No,” so what sets him apart from Stradlater and Co. is his refusal to commit what today we’d classify as sexual assault.