Examples Of Phony In Catcher In The Rye

The word "phony" was used occasionally by Holden Caulfield, a main character in the novel The Catcher in the Rye by Jerome David Salinger. This word is used to describe a person that appeared fake for the advantage of others. Although he would label certain people as "phonies'', there were some who he would not. There were also a few moments where Holden was guilty of being a phony and sometimes recognized it. I believe the author wants us, the readers, to judge ideas on phoniness as a word to characterize people who change themselves or grow up to fit in society's expectations.
Holden introduces several characters throughout the novel. In chapter 2, he mentioned his previous school, Elkton Hills, and introduced the headmaster, Mr. Haas. "...Mr.

However, because Allie and Phoebe were too young and innocent, Holden would never criticize them. For Allie, Holden would remember him as an intelligent kid. "His teachers were always writing letters to my mother, telling her what a pleasure it was having a boy like Allie in their class." (Salinger, Chapter 5, Page 38). In chapter 22, Holden describes Phoebe as someone who would always listen. "She always listens when you tell her something. And the funny part is she knows, half the time, what the hell you're talking about. She really does.'' (Salinger, 167). These chapters revealed how Allie and Phoebe were an exception for being characterized differently from the others for never acting like phonies and also sort of showing how they were some kind of comfort for

Holden would even pretend to be one to avoid appearing like a child even though he is only 16 years old. The author would make Holden appear to prefer innocent people, such as Phoebe, whom Holden described as a child who was mature for her age. It seems that he wishes she remained that way. Certain characters, like Stradlater, might be characterized as phony since they are superficial and do not consider the feelings of the women he takes out on