What does Holden say about him hating people, such as Ackley and Stradlater?

• A. He loves everyone he meets.
• B. He doesn't hate people consistently, but hates certain things.
• C. He hates them all the time.
• D. He hates everyone equally.

Answer: (B)

Holden’s view of others is mixed and conditional. He isn’t asserting that he hates people all the time or that he hates everyone equally; instead, he objects to specific behaviors and traits—especially what he calls “phoniness.” When he talks about Ackley and Stradlater, the irritation comes from their manners or attitude, not a blanket hatred of them as people. He can be sharp and scornful in the moment, yet he’s capable of genuine feeling and even care for individuals (like his sister Phoebe) at other times. So the best choice reflects this nuance: he doesn’t hate people consistently, but he hates certain things about them.