How does phoebe affect holden

We haven't been this impressed by a pre-teen since Willow Smith. When we finally do meet Phoebe, she's basically everything Holden said she would be—while still being authentically ten years old. Check out how she's scribbled various version of her name in her notebook, and then try us that you didn't do something similar when you were ten. We kept our lists in a Lisa Frank Trapper Keeper.

We do feel the hand of authorial manipulation when Phoebe corrects Holden about Robert Burns, but hey, it was the forties, so maybe kids just knew that stuff back then. Still, it's this mingling of child-like enthusiasm and adult-like incisiveness that makes Phoebe so compelling. Her notebook entry has exclamation points child , but she points out to Holden that, really, he doesn't like anything: "You don't like any schools.

You don't like a million things" She's smart enough to figure out that Holden's gotten the ax again adult , but responds by putting a pillow over her head and repeating, "Daddy'll kill you" child. And then there's her decision to run away with Holden: she packs a suitcase thinking that she'll go out West somewhere and not come back child , but she's not running away because she hates everyone and everything—she's running away because she seems to think that Holden needs someone to care for him.

And then, when Holden refuses to let her come, she takes care of him in her own way, in that touching carousel scene when she puts his red hunting hat back on his head. Unlike any other character we ever see, Phoebe actually gives back. So … adult? The way Phoebe vibrates between acting like a little kid and grown-up reminds us of—yep, Holden himself. It's almost as though Phoebe's a younger version of himself; no wonder he wants to protect her so badly, and no wonder he starts to feel "so damn happy" when he sees her going around and around on the carousel Holden loves Phoebe because he can easily connect with her.

Not only is she a good listener, but she also has a keen sense of discernment. These characteristics make Holden feel like they are on the same page.

Phoebe issues this challenge to Holden in Chapter 22, confronting her brother with his bleak outlook on the world.

And even though he has been confronted elsewhere in the book—and he will be confronted again by Mr. Antolini—Phoebe is the one person Holden really listens to. The fact that he has pushed Phoebe to the point of profanity troubles him greatly. Instead of protecting her innocence, he nearly destroys it.

Ace your assignments with our guide to The Catcher in the Rye! SparkTeach Teacher's Handbook. Antolini Mr. Spencer Stradlater Carl Luce.

What is a catcher in the rye and why does Holden want to be one? It is only the thought of Phoebe that makes him happy and less lonesome.

He thinks about all the fun they had together. When he is around her he does not feel depressed, but joyful. I certainly felt like talking to her [Phoebe] on the phone. Somebody with some sense and all. Salinger, 66 When he feels lonely and wants to call someone, one of the people he always thinks of calling is Phoebe.

He feels very close to Phoebe, who actually listens to him. Phoebe is a very smart girl, whom Holden enjoys talking to.

He thinks of Phoebe as his equal; someone that he can share things with and talk to, without feeling like he is talking to a phony. Another reason Phoebe is important to Holden is the fact that both love each other. She [Phoebe] likes me a lot. I mean shes quite fond of me. She really is. Salinger, Throughout the novel Holden is having trouble finding someone that truly feels for him and loves him, but Phoebe is the only person that not only understands, but loves him as much as he loves her and cares about him.

Holden pictures Phoebe different than who she really is. He thinks that Phoebe is a sweet, innocent little child that has not yet been ruined by the phoniness of the world. Phoebes childhood is everything Holden wishes to have; nothing to worry about and feeling happy all the time. However, he realizes that Phoebes childhood is much different than he had pictured it.

Phoebe is more mature and has a better understanding of the world. Oh, why did you do it? She meant why did I get the ax again. It made me sort of sad, the way she said it. Salinger, Instead of sympathizing with him and making him feel better, she made even more depressed. Phoebe understands that the fact that Holden has been expelled from school, not only once, but many time, is because Holden does not want to grow up.