CITR: Phoebe

Phoebe is basically the embodiment of all that Holden wants to hold on to. Holden sees nothing but negativity from the adult word like Richard does. He says, "It was just that she looked so damn nice, the way she kept going around and around , in her blue coat and all. God, I wish you could've been there" (275 Salinger). He wishes that he can stay in his childhood forever. He doesn't see the need for growing up. He states how all the adults are "phonies" acting on what they think people will like them for, and this is what saddens him. Phoebe speaks her mind and acts according to what she knows. He wishes that there is this kind of purity forever. He even speaks to Phoebe about being" the catcher in the rye" (225 Salinger). What he means is if a child running in the rye should fall from the ledge of childhood, he would catch him and put the child back. Phoebe thinks this is crazy, but this what Holden loves about Phoebe.