Chapters 2, 3, & 4

Holden seems to be straightforward and doesn’t hold back what he thinks. I like that he has strong opinions about people and describes them pretty accurately. For instance, Holden says he’s “ not too crazy about sick people” and “what made it even more depressing, old Spencer had on this very sad, ratty old bathrobe.” and the room smelling of Vicks. But, he still takes Mr. Spencer into consideration and keeps his negative thoughts to himself. Holden really didn’t like having his essay read aloud, but he didn’t tell Mr. Spencer that either. I suppose the only thing I really don’t like about Holden is that he’s pessimistic about his life so far in general. He’s a pretty typical teenager because he doesn't think much beyond the present. He starts “horsing around” with his roommate and taps dances for no apparent reason other than he’s bored. I empathize with Holden because it seems pretty awful to have to go an all male boarding school and not particularly like your roommates. He’s also failing four out of five classes and seems disinterested in most subjects and I can relate to that. I can sympathize and empathize with Holden when he says, “I was getting sort of nervous, all of a sudden. I’m quite a nervous guy.” I think he was nervous thinking about Jane Gallagher even though he doesn’t say so.