He starts to laugh because he thinks that it is odd the way they are talking to each other about a Christmas tree.
Holden describes the child as "swell" because he sees a sense of innocence and purity in the child's behavior on the street, which contrasts with the phoniness and corruption he sees in adults. The child represents a nostalgic image of childhood that Holden longs for in his own life.
Phoebe is Holden's younger sister. His opinion of her is one of extreme affection/adoration. He sees her as smart and above average.
Phoebe represents innocence, authenticity, and closeness to Holden in "The Catcher in the Rye." She embodies the purity and childhood innocence that Holden desires to protect in a world that he sees as full of phoniness and corruption. Their relationship highlights Holden's longing for connection and his deep-rooted desire to preserve innocence in a world he perceives as harsh and deceitful.
Holden sees his future as uncertain and filled with possibilities, while his parents see it in terms of conventional success and conformity to societal expectations. This conflict arises from Holden's resistance to following the traditional path set by his parents and society.
In the room where the ghost of Christmas present appears
Holden describes Spencer as looking like a burlesque comedian when he is sitting in his chair. This comparison suggests that Holden sees Spencer as someone who may appear humorous or out of touch with reality.
because he is was small
The baseball mitt holds sentimental value for Holden because it is a connection to his deceased brother, Allie. It represents Holden's struggle with coping with loss and his desire to hold on to his youth and innocence. The mitt symbolizes Allie's uniqueness and Holden's longing for a sense of permanence and authenticity in a world he sees as phony.
Jane Gallagher is a character in J.D. Salinger's novel "The Catcher in the Rye." She is a childhood friend of the protagonist, Holden Caulfield, and is remembered fondly by Holden for her authenticity and innocence. She serves as a symbol of Holden's desire for innocence and connection in a world he sees as superficial and phony.
Scrooge sees what Christmas is like for people that are around him at the time, he also sees Tiny Tim Cratchit and is shocked to hear that he was life limited and would not see another Christmas - Now Scrooge starts to understand the true meaning of Christmas
Holden Caulfield from "The Catcher in the Rye" is critical of war and sees it as a senseless and destructive force that leads to unnecessary suffering. He despises the idea of people being sent to fight in wars that are waged by those in power for selfish reasons. Overall, he views war as a manifestation of the phoniness and corruption he sees in society.
In Chapter 1, Holden sees himself as someone who is not interested in playing by society's rules. He considers himself a rebel against the phoniness he sees around him, and he believes he is more honest and authentic than others. However, he also shows signs of insecurity and confusion about his own identity.