Caulfield is depicted as an extremely cynical, hypercritical teenager who has a traumatic past
and desperately wishes to avoid transitioning into adulthood. As a neurotic adolescent, Holden
feels that the majority of adults and nearly every individual in the entertainment industry is a
"phony." According to Holden, anyone who is the slightest bit insincere or fake is a
phony, which includes seemingly genuine individuals like . Despite being a sympathetic,
concerned adult, Holden considers Mr. Spencer a phony for laughing at the headmaster's lame
jokes while he is being evaluated.
Holden's cynicism towards others and
intolerance towards insincerity reflect his fear of entering the competitive world of adults. By
labeling people phony, Holden is indicating that they are selfish, dishonest people who are
primarily concerned with attaining wealth, improving their reputation, or advancing their social
status. Overall, anyone who is insincere, is fake, or has ulterior motives is a phony in
Holden's opinion.
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