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by testsuphomeAdminIn Chapter 17, Holden reflects on his observations of girls at a dance venue, pondering their futures and the types of men they might marry. He shares an anecdote about his roommate, Harris Macklin, a bore who was a brilliant whistler. Holden grapples with his feelings for Sally Hayes, feeling an unexpected urge to marry her despite not liking her much. He acknowledges his own emotional confusion and admits to feeling crazy about these sudden emotions.
FAQs
Certainly! Here are some thought-provoking questions based on the chapter content:
Perception of Others:
- How does Holden’s observation of the girls in the lobby reflect his internal struggle with societal norms and expectations? What does this say about how he perceives the future of these individuals?
Complexity of Human Nature:
- Holden describes Harris Macklin as both a bore and an exceptional whistler. How does this duality challenge our understanding of human nature, and what might it suggest about the way we judge others?
Sudden Emotional Shifts:
- When Holden sees Sally and experiences an intense desire to marry her, despite admitting he doesn’t like her much, what does this reveal about his emotional state and understanding of love or attraction?
Identity and Self-Perception:
- Holden acknowledges his own madness by the end of the chapter. How does this admission influence your interpretation of his character? What might it suggest about his journey throughout the book?
Reflection on Boredom and Talent:
- How does Holden’s reflection on bores and talents, such as Harris Macklin’s whistling ability, prompt us to reconsider our own judgments of people we find boring? Can talents or qualities go unnoticed due to superficial perceptions?
These questions aim to engage readers in a deeper analysis of Holden’s perspectives and the themes presented in this chapter.
Quotes
Certainly! Here are some memorable quotes based on the chapter content:
“You kept wondering what would happen to all of them. When they got out of school and college, I mean.”
“I don’t understand boring guys. When you find someone who can take the tedious and make it enchanting, like whistling jazz while hanging up clothes, you realize there’s hidden beauty in unexpected places.”
“Maybe you shouldn’t feel too sorry if you see some swell girl getting married to them. They don’t hurt anybody, most of them, and maybe they’re secretly all terrific whistlers or something.”
“All of a sudden I felt like I was in love with her and wanted to marry her. I swear to God, I’m crazy. I admit it.”
“You don’t just go up to somebody and say, ‘You’re a terrific whistler.’ It’s the unspoken talents that often hold more value than we realize.”
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