Question

Holden is critical of Old Spencer for getting "a big bang" out of buying an old, beat-up Navajo blanket and for repeatedly calling him "boy" because Holden hates the insulting term. The irony of this is unveiled in when Holden does two similar things. What are the two parallel things that Holden has/does in this chapter that mimic Old Spencer? Why do you think Salinger included such connections between Holden and Old Spencer? What point was Salinger trying to make?

a) Holden buys an old blanket and repeats the term "boy" to someone else.
b) Holden mocks someone for their possessions and uses the term "boy" mockingly.
c) Holden compliments someone's purchase and uses the term "boy" affectionately.
d) Holden ignores possessions and avoids using the term "boy" in a conversation.

Answer 1

Holden mimics Old Spencer by mocking someone for possessions and using the term "boy" mockingly, and by ignoring possessions and avoiding using the term "boy".The correct option is b.

Step-by-step explanation:

The two parallel things that Holden does in this chapter that mimic Old Spencer are b) mocking someone for their possessions and using the term "boy" mockingly, and d) ignoring possessions and avoiding using the term "boy" in a conversation.

Salinger included these connections between Holden and Old Spencer to highlight the irony and hypocrisy in Holden's behavior. Holden criticizes Old Spencer for doing the same things that he ends up doing himself, showing that he is not as different as he thinks he is. The point Salinger is trying to make is that Holden's criticism of others is often a reflection of his own flaws and insecurities.

Answer 2

Holden Caulfield's actions in 'The Catcher in the Rye' exhibit irony when he mocks others for their possessions and uses the term 'boy' just as Old Spencer does, despite his criticism of Spencer's behavior. The correct option is b) Holden mocks someone for their possessions and uses the term 'boy' mockingly.

Step-by-step explanation:

The irony in Holden Caulfield's criticism of Old Spencer in The Catcher in the Rye is that Holden exhibits similar behavior. While Holden is critical of Old Spencer for his excitement over an old Navajo blanket and for patronizingly calling him "boy," Holden himself ends up displaying parallel actions.

Specifically, Holden ends up buying a red hunting hat, which, like Spencer's blanket, is symbolic of his unique tastes and preferences.

Additionally, Holden also uses the term "boy" throughout the novel, although his use varies in tone and context.

The correct option that describes Holden's behavior in an ironic parallel to Old Spencer is: b) Holden mocks someone for their possessions and uses the term "boy" mockingly.

Author J.D. Salinger likely included these connections to highlight Holden's complexity as a character and to emphasize themes of hypocrisy and adolescence.

Holden's actions suggest he is struggling with his own identity and is quick to judgment while being guilty of similar behaviors. This illustrates how Holden is caught in the paradox of wanting to be different but also succumbing to the same patterns he criticizes in others, a common struggle within the process of growing up.