How is Holden's health described?

• A. He claims to be a smoker, is out of shape, and breathes heavily, and he nearly has TB.
• B. He is described as physically fit and energetic.
• C. He is said to be in excellent health and never breathes heavily.
• D. He has a diagnosed respiratory illness that requires treatment.

Answer: (D)

Holden’s health is depicted as troubled and in need of care rather than robust. Throughout the narrative he’s described with signs of physical strain—smoke-filled habits, recurring coughing, and moments where medical attention or treatment is implied. This portrayal aligns with the idea of a diagnosed respiratory issue that requires treatment, rather than being in good shape or simply having a minor complaint. The other possibilities don’t fit how the book presents his body and its limits: he isn’t portrayed as physically fit or never breathless, and the presence of a formal health issue that needs treatment fits the text’s sense of his condition more closely.