What is an example of Holden being a phony?

He does not know what to say, so he tells her a lie. Another example of Holden being a hypocrite is when he calls a girl name Faith Cavendish for drinks. When talking on the phone with her, Holden tries to sound older than he actually is. Another way that Holden is being phony to himself is by acting older than he is.

What are phonies in Catcher in the Rye?

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.

How many times is phony said in Catcher in the Rye?

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. To Holden, being a phony is about the worst thing people can be and he is surrounded by them!

Is Phony a theme in Catcher in the Rye?

The Phoniness of the Adult World “Phoniness,” which is probably the most famous phrase from The Catcher in the Rye, is one of Holden’s favorite concepts. It is his catch-all for describing the superficiality, hypocrisy, pretension, and shallowness that he encounters in the world around him.

Why is Holden not a phony?

Holden sees their innocence and does not consider their flaws phony because they are children. Holden also displays himself as phony when he is kicked out of schools, and he blames others for his actions.

Why does Holden think Ackley is phony?

He begins to tell everybody about his summer and how he almost hooked up with a girl. Holden knew Ackley was lying about his summer, so, he called Ackley a phony. Holden describes phonies all throughout the book, he keeps calling out people for being fake.

Why is DB a phony?

D.B. is the height of phoniness in Holden’s mind because he’s sacrificed his art (writing stories) for money (writing screenplays). In short, he’s a sell-out. (We pause here to note that Salinger has never let Catcher in the Rye be adapted into a movie.

How is Holden not phony?

What does it mean to be a phony?

: a person who pretends to be someone else or to have feelings or abilities that he or she does not really have : a person who is not sincere. : something that is not real or genuine. See the full definition for phony in the English Language Learners Dictionary.

How is Holden hypocritical?

In The Cather in the Rye Holden is indeed a hypocrite. Throughout the story Holden does many things that would define him as a hypocrite. He is immature and rebellious and wants people to treat him like an adult even though he isn’t one. Holden’s actions often contradict his words, which would make him a hypocrite.

Does Holden act phony in his conversation with Mr Spencer?

In Chapter 2, Holden notes that his history teacher, Mr. Spencer, nods a lot when he’s listening to other people talk. Although Holden’s language shows that he has respect for Mr. Spencer among the many other people—especially adults—Holden considers phony.

How has Holden’s brother lost his respect?

How has Holden’s brother D.B. lost his respect? D.B. lost Holden’s respect when he moved out to Hollywood to write movies. Holden says that D.B. became a prostitute when he changed his writing styles so he could sell his work. ” Now he’s out in Hollywood, D.B, being a prostitute.