Question

What compromise does Holden make in chapter 12 of The Catcher In the Rye?

Answer 1

In chapter 12 of 'The Catcher In The Rye', Holden compromises by choosing to listen to a pianist he dislikes, which highlights his internal conflict between authenticity and phoniness.

Step-by-step explanation:

The compromise Holden makes in chapter 12 of The Catcher In The Rye is when he decides to spend some time with a pianist he considers a sell-out. Despite initially expressing contempt for the pianist, Ernie, who performs at a nightclub Holden visits, he eventually acknowledges that he is talented. Holden's compromise is his decision to stay and listen to Ernie play, even though he does not respect him. This moment underscores Holden's ongoing struggle between seeking authenticity and succumbing to the phoniness he perceives in the adult world.

Answer 2

As Holden shares his experiences, it becomes evident that he is talking from a mental facility where he is being psychoanalyzed. He is mentally insane, or at least considered so. This can be seen by his frequent use of the word 'madman" when he criticizes himself: "I was smoking like a madman"