How does Holden's view of adulthood differ at Pencey versus in New York?

• A. Adulthood is honest and straightforward at Pencey, but corrupt in New York.
• B. Adulthood is completely absent in Pencey but present in New York.
• C. Pencey portrays adulthood as attractive; New York reveals its ugliness.
• D. Pencey portrays adulthood as corrupt and 'phony,' while New York reveals complexity and occasional authentic humanity, challenging that view.

Answer: (D)

Holden’s view of adulthood shifts from Pencey to New York. At Pencey, the social world around him—teachers, administrators, and the culture of a prep school—feeds his mistrust, making him see adults as phony, corrupt, and all about appearances. When he moves to New York, he encounters a wider array of people and experiences, and while some adults still disappoint, he also meets moments of genuine care, complexity, and humanity. This broader, more nuanced reality challenges his earlier blanket judgment about grown-ups.

That’s why the best choice captures the contrast: Pencey presents adulthood as corrupt and phony, while New York reveals complexity and occasional authentic humanity. The other options stretch the contrast in ways that aren’t consistent with Holden’s evolving perspective.