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'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.
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.
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.
Illiterate means unable to read or write.
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.
Illiterate.
Illiterate
Jimmy was illiterate; he quickly learnt to read and write when he started failing English.
No he was illiterate.
illiterate
Taken to mean you are illiterate and to "go read a book" would probably improve yourself.
The word for someone who is unable to read or write is "illiterate."