What does Holden do with his hunting hat when Ackley asks about it?

• A. Holden pulls the hunting cap over his eyes and pretends to be blind.
• B. Holden places the hat on the desk and ignores it.
• C. Holden gives the hat to Ackley as a gift.
• D. Holden wears the hat proudly in the hallway.

Answer: (A)

Holden uses the hunting hat as a shield to avoid an unwanted conversation. When Ackley asks about the hat, Holden pulls it down over his eyes and pretends to be blind, signaling that he doesn’t want to talk about it or reveal anything. This small, playful act also masks his discomfort and need for privacy, showing how he deflects social pressure by retreating into his own space. The other options don’t fit his mood or behavior in that moment: he isn’t inviting conversation, sharing the hat as a gift, or wearing it openly with pride.