The Catcher in The Rye - Chapter 15

Summary

In this excerpt from *The Catcher in the Rye*, Holden Caulfield reflects on his disillusionment with the world around him as he navigates a day in New York. He has a brief encounter with two nuns, which sparks his thoughts on social class, money, and the innocence he feels disconnected from. Through his inner monologue, Holden reveals his self-consciousness, his discomfort with wealth and social expectations, and his complex relationship with those around him. The narrative illustrates his cynicism, loneliness, and the contradictions within his character as he grapples with his own identity and the people he encounters.

Takeaways

• 😀 Holden wakes up feeling hungry and decides to call down for breakfast, but he avoids interacting with Maurice, the hotel bellboy.
• 😀 He contemplates calling Jane but ends up contacting Sally Hayes, a girl he has known for years, to make plans for a matinee.
• 😀 Holden expresses his dislike for the word 'Grand,' calling it phony, and finds Sally’s conversation tiresome, though he agrees to meet her.
• 😀 After checking out of his hotel, Holden reflects on his family's wealth, mentioning that his father is a successful corporation lawyer and investor.
• 😀 He checks his bags at Grand Central Station and eats a large breakfast, something he usually avoids, noting his tendency to be a light eater.
• 😀 Holden has an interaction with two nuns in a sandwich bar, feeling awkward about their modesty and the cheapness of their luggage.
• 😀 He talks to the nuns about their work as teachers and makes a donation to their cause, though he is embarrassed by the attention they give him for it.
• 😀 Holden muses about what a nun might think when reading literature with romantic themes, like 'Romeo and Juliet,' and briefly discusses the play.
• 😀 He feels discomfort around the topic of religion, mentioning his Irish descent and the frequent assumptions others make about his Catholicism.
• 😀 At the end of his conversation with the nuns, Holden accidentally blows smoke in their faces, apologizes, and then regrets not giving them more money.

Q & A

Why does Holden feel embarrassed when talking to the nuns?

Holden feels embarrassed when talking to the nuns because he accidentally blows smoke in their faces while standing up to say goodbye. Although they are polite about it, the situation makes him uncomfortable.

How does Holden describe his relationship with Sally Hayes?

Holden describes his relationship with Sally Hayes as somewhat superficial. He thinks she is good-looking but finds her phony and irritating, especially because she talks endlessly about her suitors. Despite this, he agrees to meet her for a matinee.

What is Holden's attitude towards money and spending?

Holden is a spendthrift who wastes money quickly. He mentions that in about two weeks, his money has dwindled down to almost nothing. He often forgets to pick up his change at restaurants and nightclubs, driving his parents crazy.

What is Holden's opinion of his father’s financial habits?

Holden believes his father is wealthy, but he also finds his father's investments in Broadway shows to be wasteful. His father frequently invests in shows that end up flopping, which frustrates Holden's mother, especially after the death of Holden's brother, Ali.

Why does Holden dislike people with cheap suitcases?

Holden dislikes people with cheap suitcases because he feels they reflect poorly on a person's social status. He recalls his time at Elkton Hills, where he was uncomfortable about his roommate's inexpensive suitcases and even tried to hide his own to avoid creating an inferiority complex.

What is Holden’s general view of education and intelligence?

Holden often questions the value of education and intelligence. He mentions that Sally Hayes, whom he once thought was intelligent because of her knowledge of theater, literature, and plays, turned out to be somewhat shallow. He also expresses a distaste for many aspects of the school system.

What does Holden think about Romeo and Juliet?

Holden expresses mixed feelings about *Romeo and Juliet*. While he acknowledges its emotional impact, he is annoyed by the characters of Romeo and Juliet, particularly after the death of Mercutio, a character he finds entertaining and likable. He dislikes how their deaths are partly caused by others' actions.

How does Holden react when he finds out the nuns are teachers?

Holden seems intrigued when the nuns mention they are teachers. He learns that one teaches English and the other teaches history and government. He also discusses the books he read in English class, including *The Return of the Native* and *Romeo and Juliet*, with the nun who teaches English.

What is Holden’s perception of religion, specifically Catholicism?

Holden is wary of religion, particularly Catholicism. He is sensitive to being asked about his own religious beliefs, as he believes Catholics are always trying to find out if he is one of them. This discomfort stems from his experiences with people, like Louis Chaney, who have tried to gauge his religious background.

What is Holden’s feeling towards the nuns at the end of the encounter?

At the end of his encounter with the nuns, Holden feels a mix of guilt and regret. He is sorry that he only gave them $10 for their collection, even though he needed to save some money for his upcoming plans with Sally Hayes. Despite this, he still reflects on the kindness and politeness of the nuns.