____ this point in the novel, it’s clear that loneliness is ____ the heart of Holden’s problems. ____ he arrives in New York, it is ____ quite late in the evening, but he embarks ____ an almost manic quest for interaction. His call to Faith Cavendish in Chapter 9 hinted at Holden’s desperation—calling a girl you’ve ____ met in the middle of the night is ____ quite normal—but ____ we see the depth of Holden’s feelings of loneliness and alienation. ____ his independent nature, Holden demonstrates ____ badly he needs companionship. In ____ chapters especially, his thoughts are always of ____ people. He thinks about Phoebe, he repeatedly remembers Jane, and he mentally ____ the people at surrounding tables. But Holden never mentions ____. He avoids introspection and reflection ____ his own shortcomings and problems by focusing on the world around him, usually ____ a dismissive and critical lens. His focus on other people ____ the extent to which he ____ for companionship, love, and compassionate interaction to help him through a difficult period in his life. ____ his nostalgic memories of Jane, we ____ insight into the type of companionship Holden wants. He ____ that he knew he was happy when he was with Jane—this is a certitude that he is ____ at the present moment. His memories of Jane are especially ____ because he describes a very deep emotional connection. ____, their moments of intimacy were subtle and extremely personal, ____ of any sort of posturing or phoniness. The key moment of Jane and Holden’s relationship ____ a curious resemblance to Holden’s present situation. After her stepfather’s intrusion, Jane is overwhelmed by a pain she ____ articulate, a deep sadness that she cannot put ____ words. Holden, full of silent compassion and understanding, ____ what to do to help her through hard times. Now, he ____ himself in a similar situation, struggling with a pain that he can’t talk about with ____ in the book, including the reader. He desperately ____ the same deep, compassionate connection he says he ____ experienced with Jane. Holden’s self-delusion and unreliability ____ a narrator continue to grow. When he enters the Lavender Room, he depicts ____ as a wise-beyond-his-years, debonair playboy. But ____ the waiter refuses to serve him alcohol, and because the girls laugh ____ his advances, we doubt that Holden’s self-description is accurate. Holden rationalizes the ____ dismissal of him ____ saying that they are silly tourist hicks. ____ there does seem to be a bit of provincialism in their character, it’s ____ clear that the girls are amused by the situation and that they indulge Holden in his flirtation ____ of pity combined with a touch of mockery. Holden likes to imagine that he is a mature individual ____ perceptively sees all the hidden details ____ him, but in actuality, he’s just a kid. Once again, Holden’s inability to understand the world around him—or, perhaps, his unwillingness to acknowledge the world around him—____ his profound disconnection and isolation.

The Catcher 10-12

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