When Holden Caulfield says "I'm quite illiterate but I read a lot," he is expressing a paradox about his relationship with literature and knowledge. Despite claiming to be "illiterate," he enjoys reading and engages with various texts, indicating that he values the ideas and emotions conveyed through literature, even if he feels disconnected from traditional educational standards. This statement reflects his complex character, grappling with feelings of inadequacy and a desire for deeper understanding in a world he often finds superficial.
He read Holden a paper the Holden had written about the Egyptians
He read Holden's essay.
Holden is saying that while he may not be well-educated in a traditional sense, he still reads frequently. This highlights his belief that reading provides valuable insights and knowledge that go beyond formal education. It also reflects his intellectual curiosity despite his lack of academic achievement.
When Holden Caulfield says, "I am quite illiterate but I read a lot," he reflects a sense of disconnection between his self-perception and his intellectual engagement. He acknowledges his struggles with formal education and societal expectations, yet he finds solace and insight in reading. This statement highlights his complex relationship with knowledge; he values literature and the ideas it offers, even if he feels inadequately equipped to fully grasp or articulate them. Ultimately, it underscores his search for meaning in a world he often finds alienating.
He shows him the note that Holden wrote on his Egypt report and says 'phony' things like grand.
Mr. Spencer makes Holden read his essay on Egyptians in "The Catcher in the Rye." He then discusses the essay's theme of how the Egyptians prepared for the afterlife by mummifying themselves.
For real, just go read sparknotes.
Allie was Holden's younger brother who died of Leukemia. He had a baseball mitt that he wrote poems on in green pen so he could read something while playing in the outfield. Holden and Allie were pretty close.
Holden demonstrates an ability to read and understand literature throughout the novel, such as discussing books he's read and quoting poems. He also uses sophisticated language and references, suggesting he is not actually illiterate despite his claim.
First, we have to remember that we can't always trust what Holden tells us; he does lie and admits doing so. Here, however, he means that he isn't as well educated as he thinks he ought to be--he hasn't read, for instance, the books he's been assigned in school perhaps--but he does like to read. His favorite books include Out of Africa, a book that he got by mistake. Any book whose author he believes he could just pick up the phone and talk to is one he thinks he would enjoy. In Chapter 3, he mentions two other books he likes: Return of the Native and Of Human Bondage; both of these are challenging, serious novels that a truly illiterate person could not read.
Mr. Spencer used a guilt-tripping technique by bringing up Holden's academic performance and lack of effort in his studies during a conversation, making Holden feel guilty and uncomfortable. This tactic was a way for Mr. Spencer to assert his authority and try to motivate Holden to take his studies more seriously.
Take any famous star, and read about it - most of them are bigger than our Sun. That doesn't mean our Suns is exceptionally small, quite the contrary; however, the brighter stars can be seen from far away.Take any famous star, and read about it - most of them are bigger than our Sun. That doesn't mean our Suns is exceptionally small, quite the contrary; however, the brighter stars can be seen from far away.Take any famous star, and read about it - most of them are bigger than our Sun. That doesn't mean our Suns is exceptionally small, quite the contrary; however, the brighter stars can be seen from far away.Take any famous star, and read about it - most of them are bigger than our Sun. That doesn't mean our Suns is exceptionally small, quite the contrary; however, the brighter stars can be seen from far away.