Leaving Pencey January 2, pages 71-88 RR5

Holden is a very complex character. I like the way that Salinger develops Holden. Once you think you know what he is going to do, he does something unexpected. It is almost like Holden is constantly changing. Holden seems nervous about leaving Pencey, but then decides to leave at the last minute. You would expect Holden to be slightly nervous in New York by himself, but he is not at all. He goes to clubs late at night and meets new people and talks to girls. Even though he complains about how annoying the girls are, he still talks to them, buys them drinks, and dances with them. While at one club, he criticizes the piano player that everyone loves, but he thinks he shows off too much. Holden is very judgmental of other people’s character, especially anyone popular or famous.