What does Holden think about when he talks to Mr Spencer?
What does Holden think about when he talks to 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”). Part of Holden’s frustration may stem from his sense that Mr. Spencer is not really listening.
What does Holden’s encounter with Mr Spencer?
Mr. Spencer is Holden’s history teacher at Pencey. When Holden visits Mr. Spencer in Chapter 2, his elderly teacher is housebound with the flu (“the grippe”).
What details and circumstances prompt Holden’s claims to feel sorry for Mr Spencer?
What details and circumstances prompt Holden’s claims to feel sorry for Mr. Spencer? Holden feels sorry for Mr. Spencer because he was really old and he could not even pick up his a chalk that fell on the floor.
Why did Jane cry Catcher in the Rye?
Jane was upset because her stepfather was abusing her. Holden’s reaction was to sit next to her and put his arm around her. But instead of just comforting her, he begins to kiss her all over her face. He confuses lust with sympathy.
What made Holden cry in Chapter 14?
Standing his ground, Holden refuses to pay Maurice more money, so Maurice pins him while Sunny takes his wallet. At this point, Holden begins to cry and accuses Sunny and Maurice of stealing from him, so Maurice pushes him. Furious, Holden calls him a “dirty moron,” prompting Maurice to punch him in the stomach.
How does Holden feel about Romeo and Juliet?
Holden feels sorry for him because he gets killed when it’s not really his fault. Much of the problem in the play is caused by Romeo and Juliet falling in love with each other even though their families hate each other. That’s why when they die, Holden says it is their own fault.
Why does seeing the little boy walking with his family cheer Holden spirits?
Seeing the little boy walking with his family cheers Holden’s spirits because the sight of them being so relaxed and care free makes Holden want to be relaxed and care free like them. It gave him the idea that he shouldn’t be so stressed and depressed, and he should just not care about what people say.
Why does Holden enjoy talking to the nuns?
He sees the nuns as innocent, as evidenced by his comment about feeling uncomfortable talking to the nun who happens to be an English teacher about Romeo and Juliet because “that play gets pretty sexy in some parts.” In other parts of the novel, Holden shows charity and kindness toward those who need it.
Why does Holden apologize to the nuns?
He’s depressed about the fact that they’re only eating toast and coffee while he’s having bacon and eggs. The nuns thank Holden profusely for his ten dollar donation, so much so that he has to change the subject. When he’s leaving, Holden accidentally blows smoke in their face and apologizes for it “like a madman.”
How did the little boy walking with his family lift Holden’s spirits?
Download The Catcher in the Rye Study Guide. 2. How did the little boy walking with his family lift Holden’s spirits? Although Holden is getting low on cash, he takes a cab to the park instead of the subway.
What do suitcases symbolize for Holden Why do they disturb him?
What do suitcases symbolize for Holden? Why do they disturb him? Suitcases symbolize someone’s personality in Holden’s eyes, because he can get to hating someone just from looking at their suitcases and believing that there cheap or not nice.
What word does Holden hate?
Holden hates the word “grand” with a passion. To him, it’s the epitome of everything that’s false, fake, and—his favorite word—phony. It’s the kind of word that always seems to be used as a euphemism, to make something seem much better than it really is.
What does Holden struggle with?
Holden’s struggles in the book The Catcher in the Rye include his inability to properly cope with his brother’s tragic death and move on from his traumatic past. Holden also struggles with identity issues and fails to engage in meaningful social interactions.