How does Holden treat the two small boys in the museum?

• A. He is kind and takes them to the mummy area.
• B. He scolds them.
• C. He ignores them.
• D. He steals their lunch.

Answer: (A)

Holden’s reaction in this moment centers on warmth toward innocence and a protective impulse toward children. He responds with kindness and takes an active role in guiding the boys, showing patience as he leads them to the mummy area and shares the experience with them. This scene highlights his need for simple, genuine connections and his tendency to treat children as the ones worth safeguarding from the harsher edges of the world. He doesn’t scold or ignore them, nor does he act selfishly; instead, he engages them in a gentle, almost wishful moment of discovery.