The Catcher in the Rye Group

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soccer21
soccer21

Who is Phoebe in "The Catcher in the Rye"? Why does Holden call her "old" Phoebe?

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Posted by soccer21 on Tuesday September 23, 2008 at 10:57 AM and tagged with characters, phoebe, the catcher in the rye.

Answers:

  1. lizbv
    lizbv Teacher
    High School - 9th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Phoebe is Holden Caulfield's little sister.  He describes her as a smart and funny kid, and he makes it clear that he truly loves and admires her.  She represents his love and admiration for children; Holden loves the innocence of children and the fact that they have not yet been hit by life and the phoniness that adults portray.

    He refers to her as "old" Phoebe more than anything else as a term of endearment.  It is typical of the time period to refer to someone you know well as "old" so-and-so, and that is how he also refers to her. It does not suggest her age or his view of her in any way.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/catcher

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    Posted by lizbv on Tuesday September 23, 2008 at 2:03 PM

  2. pmiranda2857
    pmiranda2857 Teacher
    High School - 10th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    Phoebe is Holden's younger sister. He refers to her as "old" Phoebe as a term of endearment. Meaning, good old Phoebe, one of the only people that Holden really trusts.

    For Holden, all adults are phonies and cannot be trusted to tell the truth. Holden has difficulty with his peer relationships also. He does not really have friends.

    Phoebe is the only constant in Holden's life. His sister is the only person who can tell Holden that he has messed up his life. She can be counted on, he loves her and depends on her love.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/catcher/characters

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    Posted by pmiranda2857 on Tuesday September 23, 2008 at 2:06 PM