How does Holden treat little kids? Provide an example.

• A. He teases them and ignores them.
• B. He pretends to be older to impress them.
• C. He is caring; he helps with skates and offers hot chocolate.
• D. He fears them and avoids them.

Answer: (C)

Holden’s interactions with kids reveal a genuine, protective tenderness rather than cynicism or aloofness. He cares about their comfort and safety, often stepping in to help them rather than dismiss them.

An example of this caring is when he notices younger kids struggling with their skates and makes sure they’re okay, even offering hot chocolate to warmth them afterward. This moment shows him doing something practical and thoughtful to ease a child’s discomfort, aligning with his longing to preserve kids’ innocence and happiness.

So, he isn’t teasing or ignoring them, nor trying to impress them by acting older, and he isn’t afraid of them—he treats them with warmth and consideration.