Holden's critique of the glamorous adult world is most clearly linked to his relationship with which character?

• A. Sally Hayes
• B. D. B.
• C. Stradlater
• D. Phoebe

Answer: (B)

Holden’s eye for the glittery, phony side of adulthood is anchored by his relationship with D.B., his older brother. D.B. embodies that glamorous adult world—Hollywood success, fame, and money—that Holden both longs for and doubts. Holden once idolized D.B., but seeing him drift into the glamour industry exposes what he views as the pretentious, inauthentic nature of that world. D.B. becomes a concrete, personal example of the very critique Holden makes about grown-up life: the allure of glamour often disguises hollowness.

Sally Hayes represents a romantic transition into adulthood, Stradlater highlights superficial male-teen dynamics, and Phoebe embodies innocence and the pull toward childhood; none single out the glamorous adult world the way D.B. does.