Why does Holden hate “phonies”?

Holden hates "phonies" because he views them as people who are not genuine, authentic, or sincere in their behavior and speech, which he perceives as shallow, fake, and hypocritical.

Explanation:

Holden Caulfield, the protagonist of J.D. Salinger's acclaimed novel, "The Catcher in the Rye," harbors a deep loathing for "phonies." While many readers have interpreted this as a simple expression of Holden's teenage rebellion, a deeper analysis reveals that there are several key reasons for his hatred of disingenuous people. First and foremost, Holden is deeply disillusioned with the adult world. Throughout the novel, he encounters numerous adults who seem to prioritize appearances and social conventions over genuine human connection. For example, Holden's interactions with his fencing coach, Mr. Spencer, are characterized by stilted conversations and superficial concern for his academic performance.

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