Character Analysis (chapters 19-23)

I believe Pheobe has a great significance in this book. Holden loves her unconditionally, and continually praises her. "Boy you have to watch her every minute. If you don't think she's smart, you're mad," and "She is very neat for a child" are just two of the many examples of how he adores her. In early chapters he goes on about her sweet innocence and how smart she is as well. Holden tries to connect with her simply by talking with her and spending time with her. She seems very significant, especially after chapter 23. She asks Holden all the questions that he needs to hear, and finally brings into the light what everyone reading this book thinks, and asks the questions that many of us have wondered. She asks "Oh why did you do it?" (get kicked out of school again), and says "You don't like anything that's happening" and "You don't like schools. You don't like a million things. You don't." She goes on to challenge him to name one thing he likes and questions what he wants to do with the rest of his life. All he can come up with is a job that isn't real. The conversation in chapter 23 says A LOT about the book, and what is going on in Holden's head.