The Catcher in the Rye. Post 6.

The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.

In the final section of the book, we finally get actual contact with Phoebe, Holden's kid sister. She seems to be the only one that can effectively relate to Holden despite his inherent social inabilities.

That is one thing that really confused me throughout this entire book. Holden seemed to be able to relate to people just fine on a superficial level, but when he was presented with a way to reveal anything more than his public façade, Holden fell apart and went crazy. It is intriguing to read about a character like that. It really is.

Anyway, Phoebe seems to be the only one that truly understands how Holden thinks and operates. I think that it is because Holden desires to maintain his childhood and Phoebe is still a child so she can see that in him.

"It's funny. You take adults, they look lousy when they're asleep and they have their mouths way open, but kids don't. Kids look alright" (Salinger, 159).

The interaction between Phoebe and Holden almost seems to make Holden sound normal and functional. The only time this happens in the entire book. He seems innocent again.